Museum of Sanctuary

As part of our strategic partnership with The Museum of English Rural Life (Museums Partnership Reading) we are proud to have been awarded Museum of Sanctuary status by City of Sanctuary UK. This award recognises that both our museums are places of welcome for Sanctuary Seekers and Refugees. We endorse the City of Sanctuary charter, have pledged our commitment to Reading City of Sanctuary, and signed the national organisational pledge to City of Sanctuary. We work with local partners including Reading Refugee Support Group, Care4Calais and Reading Council.

The Museums of Sanctuary award highlights the role of Reading’s museums as important spaces for celebrating cultural diversity. Museums educate on local and global history, provide space for shared learning and understanding, and can help to engender a sense of belonging and affirmation for groups that may be marginalised. People have been coming to Reading to live and work for centuries, and you can find out more in our Routes to Reading blog.

Museums Partnership Reading has a four-year Museums of Sanctuary plan for sharing and celebrating cultural diversity, both local and national. This includes a renewal of displays, audio trails, opportunities for Sanctuary Seekers to get involved, and staff and volunteer training.

Existing projects:

Where Do We Go From Here? Audio Trail with Rank and File

All Roads: Community Art Project Workshops

Interwoven Tales: Embracing Diversity in Diaspora

Upcoming projects:

• The Beginning with Rank and File
• Colour Visions with Compass Recovery College

Please get in touch if you want to work with us or find out more.