There are plenty of places to visit in Reading, Pennsylvania. This southern Pennsylvania city is home to a variety of museums, including the Reading Public Museum, where you can see works by Degas and Egyptian mummies. You can also visit the city’s arboretum and planetarium. Another place to visit in Reading is the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, where you can see military and vintage airplanes. Other attractions include Nolde Forest, a wooded area, and Daniel Boone Homestead, which marks the birthplace of the legendary frontiersman.
Reading Pagoda
The Reading Pagoda is a beautiful landmark with an amazing view of the city and Skyline Drive. It was originally built to cover a stone pit and was commissioned by William Abbot Witman, Sr., a local businessman. He later envisioned the Pagoda as a luxury resort, and in 1911 the city acquired the building for $1.
The pagoda is seven stories high, and the second level is the parking lot and viewing area. You can also go inside the pagoda for a tour of the interior. It’s about 40 to 50 feet above the parking lot. The second story has a small viewing area with 360-degree windows. However, there’s no way to open the windows. The Reading Pagoda is kept very clean, and it’s a great place to get a great view of the city.
The Reading Pagoda is the backdrop for many events. It serves as a backdrop for bike races, a half-marathon, a 5K run, and a fun run, and even hosts a family picnic. In addition, the Pagoda is also the site of numerous bicycle races, including the Radsport Hillclimb.
The pagoda has a long history as a local landmark. Before radio, the pagoda was used to signal emergency information. Before telephony, the lights of the Reading Pagoda would flash to alert the public of impending danger. The pagoda’s lights would also serve as a public address system. It also served as a site for civic meetings, including an annual conservation meeting.
Witman’s original intention for the Reading Pagoda was to recreate a Japanese tea garden used by the Japanese Emperor of 1450. He may have also copied details from a Japanese tea garden in Coney Island, New York. In 1910, he sold the property to the city for $1.
Although the Reading Pagoda is no longer in use as a religious structure, it is a landmark in the city. It’s seven-story-high and 620 feet above the city. Its distinctive red roofs feature upswept eaves and stand back two feet from one another. The building also features a torii gate on the front.
In the 1950s, a community-based organization called the “Save the Pagoda” was formed to protect the structure. Members of the organization wrote to the City Council, urging the council to make repairs to the structure. They also wanted to ensure the structure’s non-Japanese roots.
Reading Museum
If you’re in the area, you can visit the Reading Museum, a public museum in West Reading, Pennsylvania. The museum features a permanent collection focusing on art, science, and civilization. It also includes a planetarium and a 25-acre arboretum.
The Reading Public Museum is a dynamic center of learning and discovery. It’s dedicated to preserving art, science, and civilization for future generations. The museum is open daily, except for major holidays, and is free to visitors. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. In addition to the museum’s permanent collections, the museum also features a planetarium and a 25-acre arboretum.
Reading Museum has an extensive collection of decorative art and sculpture. From Romanesque stones from Reading Abbey to contemporary works by Rodin, the museum has something for everyone. The museum also features a recreation of a Victorian-era art gallery. The museum’s Madejski gallery was named for the former chairman of Reading FC. It is used to host changing exhibitions.
The Reading Museum is one of the best museums in the country. Its collections focus on art, archaeology, history, and natural history. The museum also houses an extensive local history collection, with many displays on Roman settlements and the industrial history of Reading. If you’re a history buff, Reading Museum is a must-visit.
The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a hub of the artistic community. It houses four galleries and a 130-seat theater. It also hosts demonstrations, workshops, and monthly open houses. It’s a great place for art lovers. You’ll also want to take time to enjoy the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. It features old planes and rare aircraft.
One of Reading’s most scenic locations is the Red Bridge. It’s located over Tulpehocken Creek. Further down the river is the Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park, which features picnic areas, walking trails, and historic buildings. Red Bridge, also known as Wertz’s Covered Bridge, was built in 1867 and spans two hundred and four feet over the creek.
The Reading Public Museum is free for students and residents of the Reading School District. Using a Reading School District ID, students can access the museum, planetarium, and arboretum for free. The museum will also grant free admission to parents and two other family members, if they are Reading residents.
Another place to go in Reading is the Levi Mengel Museum. It features a small section dedicated to its founder and a rotating collection of works of art. There are also temporary exhibits for children to experience. This museum also has a great gift shop. You can purchase books or jewelry and enjoy the show.
Reading Pagoda ruins
The Reading Pagoda ruins are located in a historic section of Reading. The pagoda, a Japanese-style building that protrudes from Mount Penn, provides a unique view of Berks County and Pottstown, Pennsylvania. At night, the temple glows on the mountain. The pagoda was commissioned by local businessman William Abbott Witman Sr., in 1906. Witman bought a 5-acre tract of land in Lower Alsace Township in Reading to build the temple.
The pagoda is anchored with sixteen tons of bolts. It is 620 feet high and has eighty-seven steps to climb. The top of the pagoda is open for viewing, but you must pay $1 in order to climb it. You can also buy refreshments from the nearby cafe, which offers a range of local food and beverages.
