The light and airy Community Gallery is our dedicated space to share and work with local community groups and artists.
The changing series of exhibitions and displays showcases a wide range of artworks. Recent displays have included a knit and crochet extravaganza in Yarnbombing, powerful photographs from RAF Benson, and 200 years of the Leander Rowing Club.

Current Display
Closes 19th September 2023
Crafty Knit and Stitch, a local group from Whitchurch on Thames, now have a series of quilts on display as part of the Face Up to Homelessness campaign.
Face up to Homelessness is being led by Launchpad, Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity. The quilts are meant to represent one of the most basic forms of shelter and contain the portraits to show that they are facing up to the issue. The exhibition will be on display until the 19th September and there is the opportunity to purchase quilts.
Past Exhibitions
Since opening the gallery in 2017 we have welcomed over 15 local community groups and artists to share our space.
Displays have been as wide-ranging as the groups and individuals we have worked with. From youth groups displaying artworks created in collaborative workshops at the Museum, through to ‘The Sikh Arrangement’, a display of Sikh marriage traditions made in partnership with our local Sikh community in Reading. Leander Boat Club on the opposite bank of the Thames showcased their local story to celebrate their bicentenary, while Yarnbombing saw the woolly creations of a group of dedicated crafters adorn the space – from knitted trees, crocheted Wind in the Willows characters, and so much more.


Interested in working with us?
We welcome enquiries to work with us from local community groups and artists.
If you are interested in working with us to showcase the work of your community group or local artworks, we look forward to hearing from you. Please contact us to tell us a little more about your proposed project, including the subject matter, type of work you would like to display, and any other key details. We will get back to you to discuss your proposal further.
Have you seen…

Education
We love welcoming schools to explore the museum’s themes and enjoy the riverside location.
Learn about school visits

Explore
Dive into the art and stories of the river, revealed through the Museum's vast collection.
Explore our galleries

Café
Take a seat on the Museum's terrace overlooking the weeping willows of Mill Meadows.
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