October 3, 2008 - January 4, 2009

For nearly a century, the motorcycle has been an icon for innovation in design and engineering. More than any other form of transportation, it has come to symbolize the concept of freedom, and this freedom has been an engine of creativity in design.The sheer beauty of the best-designed motorcycles reminds us that motorcycle design is as much about the human spirit as speed and performance. It is about the edge of wildness that lurks within and that can break out with a motorcycle designed to liberate our wilder side.

This exhibition will examine the art and design of the motorcycle through the lens of classic and contemporary cycles. Forty-six motorcycles will be exhibited including two of the most famous of all time: the Captain America chopper and Billy Bike featured in the 1969 film, Easy Rider. They headline a section of the exhibition featuring early choppers of the 1960s and ‘70s.

The latest generation of choppers is represented by cycles designed by some of the most creative contemporary designers in the United States. These cycles includes the iconic, two engine Two Bad 2 designed by the legendary California designer, Arlen Ness.

Part of the exhibition is devoted to classic, historic motorcycles of the first half of the 20th century. Among the highlights is a selection of Indian motorcycles celebrated for their design sophistication and include the 1948 Indian Chief featured in the groundbreaking 1998 Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum exhibition, Art of the Motorcycle. In addition, Reading’s own motorcycle company, the Reading Standard, is featured and includes a rare 1905 model, one of the earliest motorcycles ever manufactured.

The exhibition explores international motorcycle design, featuring British and Italian motorcycles. Contemporary Italian MV Augustas and classic British motorcycles, including a 1954 Vincent Black Shadow and 1957 BSA Gold Star, are exhibited in pristine condition. Harley-Davidson motorcycles also play a prominent role in the show and include historic police motorcycles and a classic 1958 calypso red and white DuoGlide with side car.

An opening night "Biker Chic" reception will be held on Friday, October 3 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Wear your best biker chic and break out the leather, do-rags, spikes and boots to show your support of this adventurous new exhibit. The reception is sponsored by Hair On The Avenue, and is open to the public. Members free/Non-members $15.

This exhibition is sponsored by Penske Truck Leasing, Yuasa Battery, Inc. and Friends of the Reading Museum.

A special Museum Bike Run will be held on Saturday,
October 4, 2008, to kick off the exhibition in grand style.

This event begins with registration at 9 a.m. at the Pagoda (celebrating its 100th anniversary this year), followed by a ride along historic Skyline Drive through Reading, with the Museum being the final destination. Special events will continue until 5 p.m., including exhibit tours, detail paint demonstrations, Pig Pit pulled pork (available for sale) and more. Advance registration fee is $25 per rider ($30 after Sept. 15) and includes a commemorative t-shirt (XXL now available), pin and admission to the Museum that day. For a flier on the event, click here. For an advance registration form, click here.

Born to Be Wild is a trademark of Steppenwolf Productions, Inc. used with permission.

The Reading Public Museum is supported in part by grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Note: During the run of this exhibition (October 3. 2008 - January 4, 2009), Museum admission prices will temporarily increase to $8 for Adults (18-60), $6 for Seniors/Children/Students (with ID), and FREE for Members and children under 4.

Images, from top: Captain America Bike (publicity model) from 1969 Easy Rider movie (photo by Mike Noble); Billy Bike (limited edition reproduction authorized by Peter Fonda) from 1969 Easy Rider movie; Two Bad 2, 2007, Arlen Ness custom by Arlen Ness Enterprises; 1948 Triumph Speed Twin with left-hand sidecar; Ace Motor Corporation brochure, 1922

Related Events & Programming

Tuesday, October 7, 2008 – “Noontime Knowledge" at the Museum

Starting at noon, a talk entitled "Reading Standard" will be presented by Michael B. Kane, former Penn State Berks Senior Lecturer and current Office Manager of JT Custom Design and Fabrication. Rev your engine for an afternoon of Reading's automotive and transportation history. Enjoy the stories of the early major automotive industry, with the focus on the Reading Standard motorcycle.

Saturday, October 11, 2008 – “Family Day” at the Museum

From 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., special motorcycle-themed events, including tours, story readings, demonstrations, children’s activities and more will highlight this open-free-to-the-public day. Details will be announced soon and posted here.

Saturday, November 15, 2008 – Reading Symphony Orchestra Concert

In conjunction with this exhibition, the Reading Symphony Orchestra will present a special concert on November 15, 2008 entitled “The Wild Ones.” The performance will include music by composer Michael Daugherty, “Hell’s Angels,” featuring four leather-clad bassoon players and the rumble of motorcycles. This unique concert will be held at 8:00 p.m at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center in Reading, PA. For tickets, call 610-898-7299 or visit www.readingsymphonyorchestra.org.

Friday, November 21, 2008 – “Jive After Five”

From 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m., this new special night at the Museum will feature exhibition-related programming, the music of the "Blues City Blues Band," refreshments and activities and is sponsored by Y102. Details will be announced soon and posted here.

Sunday, November 23, 2008 – “Bagels & Bach”

This month, the popular “Bagels & Bach” series of light breakfast and live music in the Atrium features “the blues” in honor of the Born to be Wild exhibition.
Beaucoup Blue, the Philly-based father and son duo of David and Adrian Mowry, combine their soulful mix of traditional and contemporary style into an innovative and authentic sound. For this special occasion, the duo will be performing with acoustic jazz bassist Bill Zinno, a member of the Delaware Symphony. Although blues is a staple in their steeped-in-Americana repertoire, Beaucoup Blue’s music is also influenced by their love of folk, soul, R&B, jazz, country, and bluegrass.

Breakfast and the performance is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. and is $15 for Members and $25 for Non-Members. The price includes admission to the Museum after the show. Reservations are suggested, but not necessary (610-371-5850 x 264). Doors open at 9:30 a.m. The series is sponsored by Hair On The Avenue.

To download a PDF of the most recent press release, click here.