Department Of Classics, Edith Morley Building, University Of, Whiteknights Rd, Reading RG6 6AA
The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology is a museum of ancient Mediterranean archaeology, primarily that of ancient Greek civilisation but with smaller collections of Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman items. It contains one of the most important collections of ancient Greek pottery in the United Kingdom.
If you're planning a visit to Reading, England, and have an interest in ancient Greek history and archaeology, then the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology is a must-see destination. Located on the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus, the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Greece that will transport you back in time.
The Ure Museum is named after its founder, Percy Neville Ure, who was a professor of Classics at the University of Reading. Ure began collecting Greek artifacts in the early 1900s, and his collection grew over time, eventually becoming the museum that we know today. The museum opened to the public in 1922, making it one of the oldest museums in the country dedicated to Greek archaeology.
The museum's collection includes a wide variety of artifacts, from pottery and sculpture to coins and jewelry. One of the highlights of the collection is a group of vases from Athens, which date back to the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. These vases are decorated with scenes from Greek mythology and daily life, and offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Greek culture.
Another highlight of the collection is a group of terracotta figurines, which were used as votive offerings in ancient Greek religious ceremonies. These figurines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and include depictions of gods, goddesses, and animals.
The Ure Museum also has a number of interactive exhibits, which make it a great destination for families with children. One exhibit allows visitors to handle replica pottery and try their hand at making their own ancient Greek designs, while another invites visitors to dress up in ancient Greek costumes and take photos with a replica of a Greek temple.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Ure Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, which showcase different aspects of ancient Greek culture and history. Past exhibitions have focused on topics such as ancient Greek medicine, Greek myths and legends, and the Olympic Games.
Overall, the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology is a fascinating destination for anyone with an interest in ancient Greek history and archaeology. With its impressive collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and engaging temporary exhibitions, the museum is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. So if you're planning a trip to Reading, be sure to add the Ure Museum to your list of must-see attractions!
| Tuesday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
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