reading goggleworks

Halfway between Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’s state capital Harrisburg is the city of Reading—a historic place that has grown from its industrial roots to the 5th-largest city in the state. There’s a lot that draws visitors and locals to the Reading area, but GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is one of the top attractions of the region.

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a unique place located in the heart of downtown Reading, and it has become a mecca for artists, entrepreneurs, and those with a sense of wonder and curiosity to explore and create.

When you look at the history of GoggleWorks, it’s even more impressive how this place came to be! Back in 1871, this location was a factory for the manufacturing of optical lenses. Over the next 130 years, the factory expanded and diversified—yet ultimately, it ended up closing its doors in 2002.

That’s when GoggleWorks Center for the Arts started its journey, and in 2005, it opened to the public as one of the largest interactive art centers of its type, anywhere in the country.

A New Evolution: Bringing a Makerspace to Reading

Just like its predecessor, GoggleWorks has evolved over the last several years to meet the changing demands of society, the arts, and business. One of the most exciting developments to hit the center in the last decade is the Berks LaunchBox—a new makerspace that opened at the center just this year!

What is the Berks LaunchBox?

Through a partnership with Penn State Berks, the Berks LaunchBox is a unique initiative that is designed to bring the diverse creative minds of the area together—from artists and community members to local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Walter Fullam, the director of continuing education at Penn State Berks, describes the vision of this makerspace as having a “specific focus on assisting community and student entrepreneurs to develop ideas into products.”

This vision is accomplished through state-of-the-art features that include:

  • 3D Printers
  • Laptops with Design Software
  • Laster Cutters
  • Hand Tools
  • Meet-Up Spaces

There will also be resources available to get legal and technical advice from experts—making it the perfect place to start pursing your creative dreams!

Other Exciting Events Happening at GoggleWorks

In addition to the Berks LaunchBox opening, there are plenty of other things to explore at this innovative art center! Whether you are a creative spirit or have a child interested in the arts, you’ll find a lot of options when visiting GoggleWorks, including:

  • Exhibitions that Include Contemporary Art, Crafts, and More
  • Boscov Film Theatre Productions that Showcase Daily Art Film Screenings
  • A Giftshop where You can Purchase One-of-a-Kind, Handmade Gifts and Artwork
  • Workshops and Classes for People of All Ages and Artistic Interests 

When you combine the already fantastic offerings of GoggleWorks Center for the Arts with its new Berks LaunchBox initiative, it’s easy to see why this place is one of the top destinations to explore in Reading!

Making Your Move in the Historic Reading Area

Whether you’re a local resident interested in moving closer to the city’s vibrant downtown or you are planning a move out of the area, O’Brien’s Moving & Storage is the Reading moving company you can trust.

Our movers in Reading, PA are here to ensure that you get the right services at the right price—backed by our guarantee of quality and customer care as an Allied Van Lines agent.

Wherever life takes you, we offer moving services that include: 

  • Local, Long Distance, and International Moving Support
  • Custom Relocation Plans with Our Impressive Selection of Services
  • Flexible Storage Solutions to Keep Your Household Items Secure
  • Reliable, Licensed Moving Crews Dedicated to Your Satisfaction

The same community spirit that made GoggleWorks a success is what you’ll find at O’Brien’s Moving & Storage, and our Reading movers are here to serve you! Call us today or fill out our online form—we’ll be happy to get you set up with a free quote and consultation.