Opening Times

In line with University of Reading closure dates, the Museum of English Rural Life, including the Reading Room, will close for Christmas Thursday 21 December and reopen Tuesday 2 January. We wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Archive and Library

Archive and Library materials held in Special Collections are accessed via the reading room. Bookings should be made in advance, please contact us in advance to avoid disappointment.

We are open Tuesday to Friday: 9.30am-4.30pm. We are unable to fetch items from the collection stores between 1-2pm each day.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday – CLOSED

The Museum of English Rural Life, shop & cafe

Special Collections is accessed via the reception of The Museum of English Rural Life, which has a shop and cafe.

University closure days

The Reading Room is closed on Bank Holidays and on some University closures days at Christmas and Easter.

For a full list of University closure days click here, and please contact us to avoid disappointment.