We recommend that visitors to the Abbey Quarter begin their visit at Reading Museum.
The Story of Reading Gallery
The exciting Story of Reading Gallery tells the story of Reading and its royal abbey. Before exploring the Abbey Quarter you can learn about the varied history of the Abbey and see priceless objects associated to the Abbey Quarter, including a full-size partial reconstruction of the Reading Abbey cloister, using some of the original Romanesque stonework.
Bayeux Gallery
King Henry I, founder of Reading Abbey, was the youngest son of William the Conqueror. The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the events of the Norman conquest of England, ending with the decisive Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The Tapestry is a significant part of British history and at Reading Museum we have the only full-size copy of this famous artefact.
In the Bayeux Gallery you can learn about Henry I’s father’s successful invasion of England and see some of the remaining decorative stone from Reading Abbey. You can book a tour of the Tapestry on our what's on pages.
Window Gallery
The Window Gallery displays some of Reading Museum’s varied collection of sculpture and decorative art.
Visit the gallery to see exquisite examples of early twelfth-century Romanesque stones from Reading Abbey. These stones would have been in the Abbey cloisters. They are of international significance due to their style.
Plan your visit to Reading Museum including opening times and group bookings.
Our regular blogs on the Reading Museum website also reveal more about the abbey and its important history.
