30 Silver Street, Reading, RG1 2ST

Explore the centre’s hidden heritage

Damien's picture

We’re proud to open our doors once again for Heritage Open Day this Sunday, 11th September.

Heritage Open Days is "England’s favourite heritage festival". Every September some 40,000 volunteers across England organise 5,000 events to celebrate our fantastic history, architecture and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.

So where do we fit in? Well, the Rising Sun Arts Centre is a Grade II listed building, originally designed and built by architect Alfred Waterhouse for his wife as a Temperance House. Fast-forward some 138 years and it’s now the vibrant and unique art centre you know and love.

But a lot happened in between! So join us as we delve into the Rising Sun's history through an art exhibition of work created for and about the centre, and a guide to the building's intriguing past. Our cafe will be open with homemade refreshments and it promises to be a great opportunity to explore The Rising Sun and all it has to offer.

Latest news

Amy's picture

Shhhh!!! Bookface in the Library!

The Rising Sun's Bookface takes pride of place in paper-form in the library. A beautiful creation by the awesome Jaz Meader! 

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This Weekend's Events (21st to 23rd August)

Hi Everyone

Hope you're "enjoying" the novelty of grey skies, rain and other things that many of us at Rising Sun HQ like to describe as "cricket weather".

Damien's picture

Arts and business collide in a free workshop

If you’re involved in the arts and want to grow your artform through Employment or Employability, the Rising Sun Arts Centre will be playing host to a new workshop from the good people at Thames Va

@risingsunarts