The WCR Center for the Arts

Name: The WCR Center for the Arts
Address: 140 N 5th Street, Reading, PA, 19601, US
Telephone: +14846040890
Price range: $$

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The WCR Center for the Arts

One of PA's greatest acoustical treasures, the historic WCR Center for the Arts provides the setting

The WCR Center for the Arts is located at 140 North Fifth St in the historic heart of downtown Reading. Erected in the 19th Century on the site of Reading’s first Post Office, the former Wyomissing Club occupied the building until 1919, when it became the home of the Woman’s Club of Reading. In 2004, several community leaders came together to form a new entity, “The WCR (Woman’s Club of Reading) C

enter for the Arts”. The organization was formed for the purpose of helping the present members of the Woman’s Club save this historic building as a unique performance and exhibition venue for the community. Already much has been done in rehabilitation of the structure, which has been made more user-friendly with comfortable auditorium seating, modern bathroom facilities, and an inviting space for receptions and exhibits.

06/01/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Kaitlyn Melinson as our Operations Coordinator. A rising senior at Denison University studying Global Commerce, Kaitlyn will help the WCR staff and Board of Directors with administrative tasks, communications, office organization, and general support. We’re excited to have her supporting our programming, events, and outreach efforts at the WCR Center for the Arts.

05/29/2026

Step into the natural world through the lens of Joe Hocker, MFA.

Join us for an artist reception and meet-and-greet with Joe Hocker, an artist and educator whose layered landscapes and nature-inspired works invite viewers to explore hidden narratives within the environment around us.

📍 Gallery Reception & Artist Meet-and-Greet
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 4:30pm–6:30pm

05/21/2026

Join us before the production of Harvey by the Reading Community Players Stage for a special evening with artist Joe Hocker.

Come experience his collection, Hidden River, meet the artist, and gain insight into the inspiration behind the work. Hocker, an artist and educator, brings a nationally and internationally exhibited body of work that explores layered landscapes and unseen narratives.

🎨 Joe Hocker Gallery Reception & Artist Meet-and-Greet
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 4:30pm–6:30pm

Enjoy an inspiring pre-show reception before the curtain rises on Harvey.

05/13/2026

Look what people are saying! WCR Center for the Arts dramatic architecture and acoustical quality venue transforms every event into an experience to remember. Learn more here: https://www.wcrcenter.org/rentals

05/06/2026

Step into a haunting story this weekend at the WCR Center for the Arts presented by the Reading Theater Project. Details here: https://readingtheaterproject.org/banshee/

“Banshee” follows Nancy Donough, an 18th-century Irish farmer with dreams far bigger than her world allows. But when a chilling supernatural presence begins to call her name, those dreams turn into something far more dangerous—echoing across generations with consequences she may not survive.

04/28/2026

A special thank you to everyone who joined us at WCR Center for the Arts to celebrate Susan Biebuyck’s artist reception. Your support, energy, and love for the arts made it such a special evening!

If you missed it - or want one last look - there’s still a little time to see her work before the gallery comes down this week. Please contact Susan Biebuyck directly.

04/23/2026

Thank you to our sponsors for our wonderful 2025-2026 season.

Stay tuned for details on our exciting upcoming 2026-2027 season.

04/21/2026

What a fantastic way to end our season! 🎶✨

A packed house and an unforgettable night with the The Hot Club of Reading All Stars concert, part of Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Appreciation Month! They brought the energy with a truly unforgettable performance. Celebrating over a decade together, the stage was filled with incredible musicians who have helped shape the band’s sound and momentum through the years.

Big thanks to our house photographer and volunteer, Bill Coughlin, for taking these great photos.

We also thank all of our sponsors that made our season possible.

04/15/2026

With temps getting warm outside, keep the good vibes going inside with the Hot Club of Reading Allstars at 7pm on Saturday! 🎶 Cool off, grab a drink, and enjoy an unforgettable night of high-energy music. This all-star lineup brings the heat - no sunscreen required. 😎

04/14/2026

Join us on Saturday, April 18 for a night out of art, music, and community all in one place!

5:00–7:00 PM
Explore an exhibition of work by painter Susan Biebuyck, featuring vibrant still life paintings in a bold “dopamine color palette” alongside thought-provoking works rooted in contemporary and historical appropriation. Enjoy light refreshments and meet the artist.

7:00 PM
Stay for the Hot Club of Reading Allstars as they celebrate over a decade of music with an incredible lineup of musicians, performing selections from their early repertoire to their latest arrangements—all in the beautiful acoustic setting of WCR. Tickets at https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML93A0JZPGAYM/checkout/3KEVAXMG442WSCIHV2W36PIO

Address

140 N 5th Street
Reading, PA
19601

Telephone

+14846040890

Website

http://www.wcrcenter.org/

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