Our small branch site tells the story of Reading's two rivers - the Kennet and the Thames. The Riverside Museum occupies two Listed former waterworks buildings, the Screen House and the Turbine House. The site is open daily from April to September, admission is free.
The Screen House displays our beautiful gypsy caravan built by Reading firm Dunton and Sons to the 'Ledge' design. You can also see a variety of objects illustrating life by the river, from stuffed fish to regatta tickets, including a medieval wooden wheel from St Giles Mill found during archaeological excavations at the site of The Oracle shopping centre.
The Turbine House is a unique Victorian building that spans the River Kennet, with views across the water. It houses preserved turbine machinery and since 2003 has been hosting a programme of summertime art exhibitions and events by the local cultural community.
How to get to Riverside Museum
The Riverside Museum is a 15 to 20 minute stroll from Reading Museum through the historic Abbey Quarter and alongside the River Kennet, passing the Abbey Ruins.
Find out how to get to the Riverside Museum.
Riverside Museum is opened by our partners Fullers, who lease the site. Museum visitors can use the pub car park provided that their stay is less than four hours. The Narrowboat pub permanently closed on 30th March 2024, but Fullers continue to be responsible for opening the Riverside Museum for visitors from 1st April 2024.
Exhibiting at the Turbine House
To enquire about exhibiting or for further information about the summer programme of community art exhibitions at the Turbine House please use our enquiry form below.
Turbine House Exhibitor Enquiries
Dunton's caravan inside the Screen House
An outstanding and astonishing tiny museum. I love it!
- Riverside Museum visitor
A temporary exhibition in the Turbine House
