As part of Reading’s Heritage Open Days programme, Reading Museum is throwing open the doors of its Silchester Gallery for a special family event celebrating a major new chapter in the story of Roman Britain in Berkshire.
Romans Reimagined Day takes place on Saturday 19 September 2026, from 10am to 4pm, in the museum’s Silchester Gallery on Blagrave Street.
Entry is free, with donations welcome, and visitors can simply drop in without booking ahead.
Celebrating a National Lottery-backed project
The day marks the launch of Roman Britain Reimagined in Reading, a new museum project backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project centres on refreshing the museum’s Silchester Gallery, which houses finds from Calleva Atrebatum – the substantial Roman town whose remains lie a few miles outside Reading at Silchester.
The display will draw on the latest archaeological research by the University of Reading, bringing newer scholarship and discoveries into how Calleva’s story is told to visitors.
Saturday’s event gives the public a first chance to find out what’s planned for the gallery and to hear directly from the team behind the redevelopment.
What’s on for visitors
Aimed at both adults and families, the day is built around hands-on engagement with the past rather than passive viewing.
On offer across the day are:
- Object handling sessions, giving visitors the chance to get close to genuine artefacts and archaeological material connected to Roman Calleva
- Information stands explaining the aims and progress of the Roman Britain Reimagined project
- Dressing-up activities for children and families wanting to step into the sandals of a Roman for the afternoon
- Family activities running throughout the gallery for younger visitors
Roman Britain Through Objects talks
Alongside the drop-in activities, the museum is running pre-bookable 30-minute talks called Roman Britain Through Objects in the Sir John Madejski Art Gallery, with sessions at 11am, 1pm, and 2pm on the same day.
These short talks offer a more focused look at specific artefacts and what they reveal about life in Roman Britain.
Given their popularity, several sessions are already fully booked – visitors keen to attend are advised to reserve a place as early as possible via the museum’s website.
Part of a bigger Heritage Open Days weekend
Romans Reimagined Day forms one part of a wider slate of Heritage Open Days activity at Reading Museum that weekend, which also includes a guided Abbey Quarter Tour starting from the museum (also on 19 September, though already sold out).
Together, the events reflect the museum’s role as a hub for Heritage Open Days activity in Reading, opening up both its Roman and medieval collections to the public for free over the festival weekend.
When is Romans Reimagined Day coming to Reading, and how can I get tickets?
Romans Reimagined Day takes place on Saturday, 19 September 2026, running from 10am to 4pm.
The event will be held in the Silchester Gallery at Reading Museum, Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH.
Admission to the main event is free of charge, with donations welcome, and visitors can drop in throughout the day without advance booking.
The separate 30-minute Roman Britain Through Objects talks, scheduled for 11am, 1pm, and 2pm in the Sir John Madejski Art Gallery, require advance booking.
Reservations for talks and further details about the day can be found online at readingmuseum.org.uk.
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