READING, Pa. – The Reading Pagoda is once again welcoming visitors inside its historic landmark as part of a soft reopening following years of renovations.
Alexa Freyman, president of the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda, led visitors through the six-level building Sunday, sharing its history and plans for the future.
“It’s been a long time coming. This is an iconic landmark. People want to be in it; they want to be a part of it. So we are very happy, and we can’t wait to show everybody more,” Freyman said.
The pagoda was built in 1908 and was originally intended to operate as a resort. But after its owners were unable to obtain a liquor license, those plans changed.
The property was eventually sold and later given to the city of Reading in 1911.
“The mountain has stayed the preserved land and forest that we can enjoy today,” Freyman said.
The Reading Pagoda closed its doors in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, after years of renovations, visitors are once again being allowed inside. But the work is not finished.
“The building is pretty much empty as far as furniture goes. But we’re telling people our plans, and we expect beginning in 2027 to have final operations underway,” Freyman said.
Stephen Nealman was among the visitors during Sunday’s soft reopening. He made his way through all six levels, learning about the pagoda’s history before reaching the top. There, visitors can see a Japanese bell that dates to 1739.
Nealman also took in the view from the top of the pagoda.
“My first time actually inside the building, so the whole thing was an actual experience for me. It was beautiful to see,” Nealman said.
With the soft reopening underway, tour and ticket dates are beginning to return.
According to Freyman, future tour dates are being posted on the Reading Pagoda’s website.
The foundation hopes to hold a grand opening in April 2027.