Interactive Roman gallery coming to Reading Museum

A new interactive gallery at Reading Museum will bring the story of Romans in Reading to life, showcasing finds from Silchester - one of the most significant Roman towns in Britain.

The gallery will include accessible, hands-on displays designed to help more people explore the museum’s collections. Visitors will see objects such as the Silchester Eagle and one of only two Roman wooden water pumps found in Britain.

Donna Pentelow, Reading Borough Council’s Director of Culture, Leisure and Skills, said:

"The Roman Britain – Reimagined project will not only highlight the exceptional archaeological discoveries from Silchester, but will also deliver an inclusive, hands-on experience that celebrates the diversity and energy of our community."

Project highlights

The project draws on research from the University of Reading to update how the museum presents Roman Britain, including:

• New Calleva Gallery: An immersive environment featuring tactile experiences, evocative sounds and smells, and interactives shaped by community consultation. Visitors will encounter recreated Roman spaces, 3D-printed handling objects, and innovative interpretation that connects ancient Calleva to modern Reading.
• Interpretation of 1,000 finds: treasures such as the Silchester Eagle, the Iron Age Silchester Horse, and the early Christian Caversham Font will be redisplayed, and even more finds will be accessible through online resources.
• Community Engagement Programme: Four themed strands; Telling the Story of the Romans in Reading, Animating the Gallery, Creative Calleva, and Engaging Schools - will deliver activities from Roman-inspired Rhymetime sessions for under-5s to artist residencies, craft workshops, and a Roman Festival to celebrate the gallery’s opening.
• Expanded Learning Opportunities: Updated school sessions aligned with the national curriculum, refreshed loans boxes, and online resources will deepen engagement with Roman heritage for young learners.
• Volunteering and Skills Development: 52 volunteer roles and two paid internships will provide opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to gain experience in heritage, interpretation, and community engagement.

Community voices

Community voices have been central to shaping the project. During the development phase, Reading Museum consulted widely with a variety of audiences, including low-income families, different ethnic groups, neurodivergent people, and those with visual impairments, alongside schools, volunteers, and local stakeholders.

People were clear they wanted an experience, not just text panels. They asked for sensory interpretation, tactile objects, and stories that resonate with modern life.

How the project developed

The University of Reading’s archaeology department led by Professor Mike Fulford is completing the final stage of publishing 50 years of pioneering research at Silchester, providing an exceptional opportunity to share the latest discoveries and insights with the public. Their expertise will inform a fresh interpretation that brings the story of Roman Calleva vividly to life.

Funding for the project

The project is supported by a range of funders and partners. This includes:

• £80,000 from the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund
• £714,785 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
• £236,808 in cash contributions
• £28,000 in non-cash support, including volunteer time and expertise

Key supporters include:

• £94,000 grant funding from The Earley Charity
• £25,000 from Graham and Joanna Barker, who have a passion for Roman archaeology
• £15,000 from Friends of Reading Museum -  increasing their commitment from the development phase.