Q. Been there, done that... right? A. DYNAMIC AND EVER CHANGING, the Museum offers diverse and inviting experiences all year long. Of course, Nefer- ii-ne is still here (our mummy everyone remembers from their very first visit), but there are also exciting acquisitions, new exhibits, and fascinating programs. Each year our temporary exhibitions feature science and art. For upcoming events, go to our online Calendar or consider become a Museum Member (you can sign-up online under our Membership section on our site) and receive the bi-monthly newsletter Among Friends.

Q. What children's activities do you have at the Museum? A. "I never imagined the kids would be so interested - or that there would be activities for their ages and attention spans." Those are the words of parent after parent. When a family enters the Museum they can experience our galleries through the Backpack Program or gallery fun guides or go outside for a nature walk -- the Museum is an EXCITING PLACE FOR A CHILD. During the year there are any number of programs for children and/or families including the cultural festival, Saturday Morning Buddies and related programs to our exhibits. Check out our online Calendar or consider becoming a Member (you can join online by going to the Membership section of this site) and you will receive the bi-monthly newsletter Among Friends that lists all activities.

Q. If I am a Member, am I a "Friend" of the Reading Public Museum? A. All members are "Friends" of the Reading Museum and your membership dues help support various exhibitions and special programming at the Museum. Your membership gives you free admission to the Museum and Planetarium Star Shows and free or reduced admission to special events and programs.

Q. I have received discount passes with my Museum Membership. May I just give them to someone or must I accompany them? A. You DO NOT have to accompany the person(s) you gave the passes to. They may use the discount passes anytime the Museum is open.

Q. May I use my discount passes to bring a guest to an exhibit reception/member opening? A. Yes, you may use your discount passes for an exhibit reception/member opening.

Q. The first paragraph on my reciprocaing ASTC Museum sheet reads "Museums located within 90 miles of each other are excluded from the program unless that exclusion is lifted by mutual agreement." Does this mean I cannot go to these Museums? A. The Reading Public Museum continually keeps in contact with these institutions, and to date, all Museums are participating in the program. You may go to all Museums listed.

Q. Why is the lighting so low in the galleries? A. Light exposure is detrimental to many paintings and objects. The Reading Public Museum follows the American Association of Museum's standards for lighting levels. We are one of only 10% of museums in the country accredited by this organization and we adhere to their guidelines for the protection of our collection.

Q. Why can't you take flash photography in the galleries? A. Light exposure is detrimental to many paintings and objects. The Reading Public Museum follows the American Association of Museum's standards for flash photography. We are one of only 10% of museums in the country accredited by this organization and we adhere to their guidelines for the protection of our collection.

Q. Why is no food or drink allowed in the galleries? A. We don't allow food or drink in the galleries to assure the protection of our collection. While visitors do their best to be careful - accidents can happen and do irrevocable harm to a painting or object. The Reading Public Museum follows the American Association of Museum's standards for food and drink in galleries. We are one of only 10% of museums in the country accredited by this organization and we adhere to their guidelines for the protection of our collection.

Q. Who runs the Museum and where does it get its funding? A. The non-profit Foundation for the Reading Public Museum is responsible for managing all aspects of the Museum. All money used to run the Museum (it takes $5,000 a day to keep the Museum open) is raised solely through grants, admissions, memberships and donations.

Q. Who decides what exhibits are shown at the Museum? A. We have curators who make the decision based on the mission of the Museum. Many of the major art and science exhibits are scheduled 1 to 3 years ahead of time.

Q. What are the policies and procedures for weddings and wedding photographs at the Museum? A. There are no weddings or wedding receptions permitted IN the Museum. If you would like to have your wedding ceremony performed or your wedding photographs taken on the Museum grounds, please call 610-371-5850 ext. 224. There are no set-ups permitted on the Museum grounds and wedding receptions are not permitted on the Museum grounds. Note: We keep a master calendar of all couples calling in and letting us know about their weddings and photos. All we can do is tell you if someone else has called in and scheduled the same time. We DO NOT guarantee that your space will be available at a specific time.

Q. May I use my guest passes to bring a guest to an exhibit? A. You will not be able to use free passes during our Keith Haring exhibition which is on view until August 6, 2006. The current guest passes will be good from August 8, 2006 to August 8, 2007. Starting June 1, 2006, members will receive Discount Passes as one of their membership benefits.