Feature
Emerald Anniversary WCR Center for the Arts hits big milestone By Summer Rose Biros, Social Media & Marketing Coordinator, WCR Center for the Arts
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CR Center for the Arts’ (WCR) primary goal is to preserve its historic facility, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for artistic expression and community gatherings. Steeped in a vibrant history, the WCR was erected in the 19th century in the Callowhill District of Reading, on the site of the city’s first post office. After serving as the Wyomissing Club for many years, the building became home to the Women’s Club of Reading in 1919. In the summer of 2004, several community leaders formed a new entity, the WCR Center for the Arts. The organization was formed to preserve this historic building as a unique performance and exhibition venue for the community. At the center of this stately building is a 265-seat auditorium with an acoustic quality unmatched anywhere in southeastern Pennsylvania. A superb vintage Steinway grand piano, purchased by the Women’s Club, is still showcased in concerts today. The venue also boasts a gallery and reception hall, perfect for exhibits, meetings and various entertainment events.
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Did You Know? •
140 N. 5th St. was the site of the first Reading Post Office in 1793.
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WCR is short for Women’s Club of Reading established in 1919.
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The front of the building has been altered from its original design in the 1860s, most notably the addition of the front windows.
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The WCR logo and the WC do not necessarily mean the same thing as this building briefly was the Wyomissing Club.
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On Sept. 20, 2024, WCR is hosting its 20th Anniversary Concert & Gala. The public is welcome.
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Rentals are available for weddings, private parties and events of all kinds.