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Cole Museum of Zoology and its collection

The Cole Museum of Zoology is conveniently located on the ground floor of the Health and Life Sciences building on the university's Whiteknights Campus in the town of Reading, Berkshire, England. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors, whether they are local residents or tourists.

Specimen Collection

The Cole Museum of Zoology houses approximately 4,000 specimens, with about 400 on display at any given time. This means that visitors have the opportunity to see a wide variety of specimens during their visit, providing a comprehensive overview of the animal kingdom.

Unique Exhibits

Among the specimens on display at the Cole Museum of Zoology are a male Indian circus elephant skeleton, a 5-metre reticulated python skeleton containing 400 vertebrae, a fossil of the largest spider to ever have lived, and a false killer whale skeleton. These unique exhibits provide a fascinating insight into the diversity of the animal kingdom.

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Nature & Natural History Nature & Natural History Science & Technology Science & Technology Animals Geology

Cole Museum of Zoology
The Cole Museum of Zoology School of Animal and Microbial Sciences University of Reading
RG6 6AJ Reading

Visitor information Cole Museum of Zoology

Opening hours

Monday
9:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
9:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
9:00 – 17:00
Thursday
9:00 – 17:00
Friday
9:00 – 17:00
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

closed Bank Holidays and weekends.

Admission

We don't have information about the tickets & prices of Cole Museum of Zoology.

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Location & Map

The Cole Museum of Zoology School of Animal and Microbial Sciences University of Reading, Reading

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Cole Museum of Zoology have been found.

Cole Museum of Zoology Reviews

Cole Museum of Zoology has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Cole Museum of Zoology, located in Reading, England, offers visitors an educational experience focused on animal diversity and evolution. The museum houses a collection of around 3,500 specimens, including skeletons, taxidermy, and preserved animals. Many visitors appreciate the museum's compact size, which allows for a thorough exploration in a relatively short time.

    Highlights of the collection include a complete elephant skeleton and a variety of well-preserved specimens from different animal groups. The museum's organization is praised for its logical flow, guiding visitors through the evolution and diversity of animal life. Information panels and labels are generally informative, providing context for the exhibits.

    While the museum receives positive feedback for its educational value, especially for biology students and those interested in zoology, some visitors find the experience somewhat limited compared to larger natural history museums. The small space can feel cramped during busy periods, and some exhibits may appear dated to some visitors.

    The museum's integration with the University of Reading is seen as both a strength and a limitation. It provides a scholarly atmosphere and current scientific context, but its academic setting may make it less accessible or appealing to casual visitors or younger children.

    Overall, the Cole Museum of Zoology offers a solid, educational experience for those interested in zoology and animal diversity. Its strengths lie in its focused collection and educational value, while its limitations include its size and potentially specialized appeal.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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