In addition to climbing the Reading Pagoda, a visit to the Reading Museum was part of my elementary school education.

Even as a child, I thought the museum building was imposing and beautiful.

On my first visit, I remembered much less about the significant paintings than the cultural artifacts and crafted products.

There was also a wonderful gift shop.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_Public_Museum

The Reading Museum and Art Gallery, now the Reading Public Museum, grew from the collections of international treasures that a local physician, Dr. Levi Mengel, purchased at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_Purchase_Exposition

Other local worthies contributed to the collection of painting, sculpture, and archeological discoveries.

In 1924, school children participated in a public campaign of the Reading School District to raise funds for the building of schools and a museum.

This handsome structure was completed in 1928.

I cannot find easily on line any reference to the architect or the builders of this fine structure which survives today.

This “linen” postcard was not mailed.  It was published in the late 1940’s or 1950.