Arts on Campus

The Arts scene at the University of Reading is extensive and our Arts Diary (published 3 times a year) provides information on all forthcoming lectures, exhibitions, concerts, plays, films and other arts events open to the public.

Lectures
The University organises two lecture series each year. One is the free Public Lecture Series delivered in the Palmer Lecture Theatre on a range of interesting topics and open to everyone. The other is a themed series of ticketed evening lectures which take place at Reading Town Hall. A recent theme, ‘Life, earth and happiness: an evolutionary tale’, included lectures on the planet Earth, human genetics and evolution. The School of Continuing Education also offers an extensive range of Open Studies programmes – including many on art, artists and architecture. Take a look at our website School of Continuing Education.

Film
If you like the big screen, but not the big prices, you can enjoy a range of new releases and favourite films at the Reading Film Theatre. Evening viewings take place in the Palmer Building and there are ticket price concessions for members, pensioners, the unemployed and groups. For the latest programme see Reading Film Theatre web.

Music
If you want to make music, you will have every opportunity through Music@Reading. Students, staff and community members can join the Reading University Music Society, a student-run organisation which manages musical ensembles from chamber to jazz and organises many musical events. These include the weekly, free lunch-time concerts during term-time. See RUMS website. At the splendid Great Hall on the London Road campus, the University also plays host to performances by national choirs and orchestras. These are advertised in the Arts Diary.

Drama
The Reading University Dramatic Society gives theatrically-minded students the chance to perform and be involved in all aspects of theatre. The ever-popular open-air summer Shakespeare performance is just one amid a calendar of enjoyable productions. For details see RUDS website.

Museums
You can enjoy regular events and exhibitions held at our museums. The Cole Museum of Zoology illustrates the diversity of the animal kingdom; the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology provides an insight into ancient Greece; whilst the Museum of English Rural Life charts the history of food, farming and the countryside (both at the London Road site and online). Many events are designed for children. Find out more about  museums at the University of Reading.