Pagoda Furnishing Open Call

The Foundation for the Reading Pagoda is calling on the public to provide time-appropriate items and furniture to furnish a few rooms inside the Pagoda upon reopening. We are hosting a “Antiques Roadshow” style event in collaboration with Centre Park Historic District’s Artifacts Bank, BCTV and Reading’s Historic Architectural Review Board in search of authentic early 1900s pieces to display inside the building in its 5th floor “Reading Rooms”.

This is a unique opportunity to secure your family’s place in the history of Reading’s most beloved landmark. The selected items will become part of the Pagoda’s permanent collection (through donation or long-term loan). Have questions on if your item may qualify? See qualifications at the bottom of this page.

Use the form below to tell us a little about the piece you plan on bringing to show. If your item is chosen, we will be in touch to assign you a 15 minute time-slot during the event to review your item with our antiques pros:

Place, Date & Time

The Artifacts Bank, 707 N. 5th Street, Reading
Saturday, March 14th, 2026
10:00 am- 2:00 pm

Example of one of the rooms to be furnished. (Photo taken before recent restorations)

Pre-Register Now

What are we looking for? 1908 Aesthetic

We are seeking furniture and decorative arts that adhere to the Japanese-influenced American Arts and Crafts and Mission styles of the period (c. 1895-1915). Our expert panel (including the HARB) will vet all items against the following criteria:

  • Mission / Arts and Crafts / Japanese Influenced: Simple, horizontal/vertical lines, minimal ornamentation, and exposed construction. Must align with the aesthetic of the Pagoda’s architecture.

  • Honest Wood Construction: Primarily quarter-sawn Oak is preferred. Also seeking Chestnut, Walnu, or dark-finished Cherry. (No light pine, painted, or highly veneered pieces).

  • Functional and Sturdy: Bookcases, reading tables, display cases, simple benches, chairs and lamps with geometric or natural motifs (e.g., stylized plant forms, ginkgo leaves)

  • Originality is key. Good to Excellent Condition. Original finish or historical patina is a strong advantage.

  • Highly ornate Victorian, elaborate carvings, overtly commercial or non-period furniture will not qualify for the Pagoda’s historical collection.