Reading Public Museum Arboretum

The Reading Public Museum Arboretum is a picturesque 25-acre oasis nestled in the heart of Reading. This magnificent park in the USA offers a harmonious blend of exotic plants and native flora, creating a unique space for outdoor relaxation and education.

The Wyomissing Creek flows gently through the arboretum grounds, its banks connected by elegant footbridges. Here, you can find over 65 unique species of trees and shrubs, many of which were planted as early as the late 1920s. Its status as an accredited station of the Bureau of Plant Industry confirms the high scientific and ecological value of this green space.

Integrated into a single complex with the museum, planetarium, and sculpture garden, the arboretum serves as a true "living museum." In the spring, it impresses with a vibrant display of blooming bulbs, while in summer, it provides a welcome cool under the shade of century-old canopies, making a visit here unforgettable at any time of year.

To plan your visit to the Reading Public Museum Arboretum, you can use the contact details provided below. Museum staff are always ready to assist with group tours or answer questions about current events.

A visit to the arboretum offers many ways to enjoy your time. You can take a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained paths, observing lush vegetation and local birds in their natural habitat. For curious tourists, free maps for self-guided tours are available in the museum atrium to help you find and study all 65 unique botanical exhibits.

Couples and groups of friends often choose this spot for cozy picnics under the shade of spreading canopies or for meditation by the babbling creek. Photographers will find endless inspiration in the changing seasons: from the delicate blooms of early spring to the vibrant colors of autumn foliage and the appearance of fruits on exotic trees.

For those who want to get the most out of their visit, organized group tours are available and can be tailored to different ages and interests. Additionally, the arboretum invites volunteers to participate in garden maintenance projects, offering a unique chance to connect with like-minded people and learn the secrets of professional gardening in practice.

The easiest way to reach the arboretum, located at 1218 Parkside Dr S, is by private car. The site is in the 18th ward of the city of Reading and has convenient access roads from Pennsylvania's major highways. Parking is provided for visitors directly at the entrance to the museum complex.

If you prefer public transportation, you can use bus routes going to the downtown area. The arboretum is about 2–3 kilometers from the center, which can be reached by taxi or a pleasant walk. Its proximity to major transportation arteries in the USA makes this place easily accessible for travelers.

For residents of nearby neighborhoods, a bicycle or a walk via the trail system along Wyomissing Creek is an excellent option. Its convenient location makes this space accessible to both locals and tourists looking to escape the city bustle.

The history of this green haven is inextricably linked to the development of the Reading Public Museum itself. The arboretum was designed in the late 1920s by the famous American landscape architect John Nolen. He sought to create a space where architecture and nature complemented each other, and today we can see the result of his work in the original plantings that have survived for nearly a century.

The museum itself was founded in 1904 by Dr. Levi W. Mengel, a passionate naturalist and educator. His goal was to create a collection for the "sensory education" of students so they could study the world beyond books. Initially, the exhibition was housed in a small school building, but thanks to generous donations from citizens, the complex moved to its current site in 1928–1929.

Construction of the main museum building in the Beaux-Arts style began in 1925 under the direction of architect Alexander Forbes Smith. Since its opening, the arboretum has become an integral part of the cultural landscape. In 1982, the museum complex received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, confirming its high scientific status.

Since 1991, the site has been managed by a special foundation that actively involves volunteers. Modern projects for plant care and trail updates help preserve the natural heritage of Nolen and Mengel for future generations of researchers and nature lovers.

To simply stroll along the main paths of the arboretum and enjoy the views of the Wyomissing Creek, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is enough time to study the information plaques near rare tree specimens and take some beautiful nature photos.

If you plan to combine your walk with a visit to the museum building, a show at the planetarium, or a thoughtful tour of the sculpture garden, you should allow at least 3–4 hours for your visit. The grounds encourage a slow pace, so many visitors prefer to spend the entire afternoon here, enjoying the peace and fresh air.

The Reading Public Museum Arboretum is open to visitors daily, providing an excellent opportunity for morning runs or peaceful evening walks. The grounds are accessible during the following hours:

Monday to Sunday — 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Please note that access to the museum and planetarium may be limited to different operating hours, so it is best to plan your walk in the park considering the opening times of the main exhibits if you wish to visit the entire complex.

Exploring the surroundings of the Reading Public Museum Arboretum can significantly enrich your trip. Many historical and cultural sites are located near this natural oasis and are worth including in your itinerary.

Below are some interesting attractions located within walking or driving distance of the museum: