Visit The Reading Pagoda

As a site on the National Register of Historic Places, the Reading Pagoda welcomes visitors seeking the beauty and history of the building and surrounding grounds. At this historic site, we are dedicated to the preservation of our unique property and invite all to experience our breathtaking mountain top view.

We are home to an iconic building, set on 10 historic acres in Reading, Pennsylvania. Built in 1908 by William Abbott Witman, Sr., using stone from his quarry at the site, the design is based on the Pagoda of Nagoya Castle, Japan. It is an outstanding example of American turn-of-the-century, exotic revival architecture constructed of stone from the Witman quarry .

Originally erected to be a luxury resort, the Reading Pagoda did not achieve its original purpose and since 1911 has been primarily used as a public observatory.

The Pagoda has also traditionally been used for civic meetings, including a 1914 organizational meeting of conservationists, believed to be a forerunner of our national Conservation Movement. Before the advent of radio, news and weather reports were flashed in code from a signal lantern atop the Pagoda.

We share the care of the Reading Pagoda with the City of Reading.The mission of the Foundation is to provide oversight for the preservation of the Reading Pagoda. Together we provide activities throughout the grounds and trails for the enjoyment of the natural environment.

The building has recently undergone renovations and is open for tours by appointment only. See more info below. Sign up for our newsletter or visit us on social media for updates on infrastructure project progress.