Past Exhibits

"Picturing the Occult" explores humanity's belief in the supernatural through historical depictions of gods, spirits, and occult practices. Featuring manuscript pages, etchings, and engravings, the exhibition delves into the origins of magic, alchemy, and divination, highlighting how these hidden powers were depicted throughout history from The Museum’s collection.

"REAL BODIES" showcases real preserved human bodies and over 200 anatomical specimens, exploring the complexity of life and the human experience. Enhanced with COVID-19 content, the exhibition educates on the virus’s impact on body systems with 3D models and expert insights, offering a deeper understanding of the body, mind, and soul.

This exhibition showcases over 60 works by American modernist William Baziotes, including sketchbooks, drawings, watercolors, gouaches, and oil paintings spanning his career from the 1930s to the 1960s. Influenced by Surrealism, Symbolist poetry, and automatism, Baziotes developed a unique style featuring symbols, figures, and biomorphic forms reflecting Jungian psychiatry and nature.

"Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau" at the Reading Public Museum features over 70 works by Mucha, the creator of Art Nouveau. The exhibition highlights his iconic posters, including those for Sarah Bernhardt's “Gismonda” and Job cigarette papers, showcasing his influence on visual culture from 1895 to 1910.

"Forever Forest" connects children and adults to forests, highlighting sustainable harvesting, transportation, and wood products. Featuring interactive elements like a treetop climber, a mini sawmill, and a Union Pacific engine replica, this engaging exhibit turns the educational kit "The Truth About Trees" into a hands-on learning experience about forests' role in everyday life.

"Top Secret: License to Spy" delves into the science of espionage, letting visitors break codes, detect bugs, and create disguises. Explore spy technology with hands-on activities and life-like sets, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the world of undercover agents. Perfect for kids and adults eager to unlock espionage secrets!

"Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray" showcases 50 portraits of Kahlo by her friend and lover, Nickolas Muray. The photos, taken from 1937 to 1946, offer an intimate view of Kahlo's life, her Mexican heritage, and her relationships, capturing her essence beyond her art.

The Reading Public Museum presents "Billie Jean King: Champion. Activist. Legend," featuring over 75 photos showcasing King’s tennis triumphs and lifelong advocacy for equality and social justice. Celebrating her legacy beyond the court, the exhibition highlights her fight for gender equality, including her iconic 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” victory.

"Storyland" brings seven beloved picture books, like "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" and "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," to life in bilingual, interactive environments. This exhibit promotes pre-reading skills for children through play, supported by Target, the State of Minnesota, and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

"Courting Style: Women’s Tennis Fashion" showcases the evolution of tennis attire from the 1870s to today, featuring outfits worn by icons like Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova. Drawn from the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the exhibit explores how tennis fashion reflects broader social and cultural changes in style and identity.