Cole Museum of Zoology
A free treasure trove of early 20th-century zoological specimens and comparative anatomy in Reading's university museum.
A remarkable free university museum housed in the University of Reading's Health and Life Sciences building, the Cole Museum of Zoology preserves thousands of zoological specimens collected since 1906. From taxidermied animals and skeletal displays to fossils and anatomical models, this compact yet captivating collection offers an intimate glimpse into early 20th-century animal diversity and remains one of Britain's most complete museums of comparative anatomy.
A brief summary to Cole Museum of Zoology
- Campus, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6UA, GB
- +441183787083
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive on weekday mornings for the quietest experience and best opportunity to study specimens without crowds. The museum is small but densely packed with fascinating displays.
- Download the museum's printable worksheet and colouring sheet before your visit to enhance engagement, particularly if visiting with children.
- Plan for 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your level of interest; this is not an all-day destination but offers excellent value for a focused educational visit.
- Use public transport if possible—parking on campus is limited and incurs charges. Local buses serve the Whiteknights Campus regularly from Reading town centre.
- Check the museum's calendar before visiting, as it may close during university teaching periods or closure days. Group visits require advance booking.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Bus
Local buses from Reading town centre serve the Whiteknights Campus regularly. Journey time from the town centre is approximately 15–25 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. Buses are frequent during weekdays and less frequent on weekends. The museum is a short walk from the bus stop on campus. No fare payment is required beyond standard local bus fares, typically £1.50–£3.00 per journey.
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Car with Parking
Drive to the Whiteknights Campus and use Carpark 1A, the designated visitor car park approximately 10 minutes' walk from the Health and Life Sciences building. Parking is pay-and-display; typical charges are £1.50–£2.50 per hour. The campus is well signposted from Reading town centre, approximately 3–4 miles away, with a driving time of 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services from Reading town centre to the Whiteknights Campus take approximately 10–15 minutes. Estimated fares range from £12–£20 depending on traffic and the service used. This option is convenient for visitors without access to a car or those preferring not to navigate campus parking.
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Walking from Campus
If already on the Whiteknights Campus, the Health and Life Sciences building is accessible via the main campus pathways. Walking from the main campus entrance takes approximately 15–20 minutes depending on your starting point. The building is clearly signposted, and campus maps are available at the main entrance.
Cole Museum of Zoology location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Cole Museum of Zoology
A Century of Zoological Passion
Founded in 1906 by Professor Francis Cole, the Cole Museum of Zoology emerged from one man's extraordinary vision and dedication to understanding animal life. When Cole arrived at University College Reading, he began systematically building a collection through creative means—encouraging donations from overseas visitors, soliciting finds from students returning from research expeditions and holidays worldwide, and personally acquiring specimens that captured his scientific curiosity. By 1939, the prestigious journal Nature recognized the collection as being "without a rival" among its contemporaries, a testament to Cole's meticulous curation and the breadth of his gathering efforts.A Snapshot of Animal Diversity
Today, the Cole Museum houses thousands of specimens representing a unique snapshot of animal diversity frozen in the early 20th century. The collection encompasses taxidermied animals, articulated skeletons, histological preparations, fluid-preserved dissections, fossil material, plaster casts, and exquisite models depicting developmental stages and extinct species. Each specimen tells a story of zoological significance and comparative anatomy—the study of structural differences between animals. Remarkably, the Cole collection remains intact in its entirety, a rarity among British museums and a source of continuous educational value for students and visitors alike.The Scholar's Library and Modern Home
Complementing the physical specimens is the Cole Library, a distinguished collection of first editions and rare volumes of zoological and medical texts. This scholarly resource may be viewed by appointment, offering researchers and enthusiasts access to historical scientific literature that contextualizes the museum's specimens. In recent years, the museum relocated to a brand new home within the Health and Life Sciences building on the Whiteknights Campus, providing enhanced display conditions and improved accessibility while maintaining the integrity and significance of Cole's legacy.An Educational Institution for All Ages
The Cole Museum serves as both a teaching resource for University of Reading students and an open invitation to the general public. Visitors of all ages encounter fascinating specimens thoughtfully arranged with informative labels and context. The museum offers downloadable worksheets and colouring sheets designed to engage younger visitors, transforming a visit into an interactive learning experience. Whether you arrive with curiosity about a specific animal group or simply wish to explore the wonders of comparative anatomy, the museum's compact size belies the depth and quality of its holdings.Accessibility and Practical Considerations
Located on the Whiteknights Campus, the museum occupies the ground floor of the Health and Life Sciences building, making it accessible to visitors without requiring extensive navigation through the university grounds. Parking on campus is limited and typically requires payment at designated car parks, with Carpark 1A situated approximately a 10-minute walk from the museum entrance. Public transport connections to Reading town centre offer an alternative, with local buses providing regular service to the campus. The museum remains closed on weekends, bank holidays, and during university closure periods, so advance verification of opening hours is advisable.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Location Audience
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