Reading Pagoda Pennsylvania
A historic 7-story Japanese-style pagoda offering stunning panoramic views of Reading, PA, from atop Mount Penn.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views are magical
Reading Pagoda Pennsylvania
Best Time
Golden hour views are magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 7-story Japanese-style pagoda offering stunning panoramic views of Reading, PA, from atop Mount Penn.
"The Reading Pagoda is one of Pennsylvania’s most unique landmarks, sitting high on Mount Penn with breathtaking views."
🚗 Scenic Drive Up
The road to the Pagoda is winding and scenic. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination!
📸 Photo Opportunities
Bring your camera! The views and architecture are incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 4,533 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Website
readingpagoda.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Mount Penn Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Reading and the surrounding Berks County landscape. Perfect for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.
+1
Iconic Japanese Architecture
Exterior
Admire the unique seven-story, Japanese-style pagoda, a striking landmark against the Pennsylvania backdrop.
+1
Historic Mount Penn Drive
Road leading to the Pagoda
Enjoy a scenic, winding drive up Mount Penn, offering glimpses of the Pagoda and the evolving landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Restoration Status
Timing Your Visit for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Scenic Drive Up
The road to the Pagoda is winding and scenic. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination!
📸 Photo Opportunities
Bring your camera! The views and architecture are incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour.
🚫 No Restrooms Onsite
Plan ahead as there are no public restrooms available at the Pagoda site.
🚧 Check Restoration Updates
The Pagoda is under restoration. Check for updates on interior access before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Scenic Drive Up
The road to the Pagoda is winding and scenic. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination!
📸 Photo Opportunities
Bring your camera! The views and architecture are incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour.
🚫 No Restrooms Onsite
Plan ahead as there are no public restrooms available at the Pagoda site.
🚧 Check Restoration Updates
The Pagoda is under restoration. Check for updates on interior access before your visit.
💰 Free Admission & Parking
Enjoy the views and the landmark without any entry fees or parking charges.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Reading Pagoda for its stunning panoramic views of the city and its unique, iconic Japanese architecture. The scenic drive up Mount Penn is also a highlight, making it a worthwhile destination for a quick stop or a longer visit. While the interior is currently closed for restoration, the exterior beauty and the breathtaking vistas ensure a memorable experience for all.
"Reading Pagoda in Reading, Pennsylvania.
The Reading Pagoda (Reading, PA)
Perched dramatically on the southern face of Mount Penn, the Reading Pagoda remains one of Pennsylvania’s most unexpected architectural landmarks — a structure that feels both delightfully out of place and deeply woven into the identity of the city below.
Design & Architecture
Built in 1908, the Pagoda is a seven-story, Japanese-inspired structure whose red tile roofline and tiered silhouette contrast strikingly with the rugged Pennsylvania hillside. While not an authentic Japanese temple, it’s an intriguing example of early-20th-century American exoticism — a period when U.S. developers often borrowed Eastern design motifs to create statement landmarks.
From a design standpoint, the Pagoda’s visual appeal is undeniable. The building glows vividly at night, casting red light across the valley, and remains one of the most photographed icons in Berks County. Though the interior is modest and historically simple, the exterior is the true star.
Views & Atmosphere
The Pagoda’s greatest asset is its panoramic view of Reading and the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, visitors can watch the city grid unfold below while the rolling hills stretch into the horizon. The vantage point is peaceful, breezy, and unusually meditative — especially during early mornings or sunset hours when the hillside is quiet.
The surrounding parks and trails contribute to the atmosphere, making the Pagoda a natural stop for hikers and local families.
Experience
Visiting the Pagoda is not a full-day outing — it’s a short, scenic stop ideal for photography, quiet reflection, or showing out-of-town guests something uniquely “Reading.” While the building has had periods of closure and limited access, the exterior and overlook remain freely accessible and consistently worthwhile.
Parking is easy, the drive up is straightforward, and the cultural curiosity of finding a Japanese-style pagoda overlooking a Pennsylvania steel town gives the experience a surreal charm.
Cultural & Local Value
Beyond aesthetics, the Pagoda holds genuine emotional significance for locals. It’s a civic symbol, a postcard image, and a piece of Reading’s heritage. The structure’s seasonal events (when hosted) and its illuminated presence give the city character that few mid-sized towns can claim.
Verdict
The Reading Pagoda is not a grand museum or a bustling tourist attraction — but it’s one of the most distinctive, photogenic, and unexpectedly poetic landmarks in Pennsylvania. Its combination of panoramic views, architectural quirkiness, and local cultural weight make it a must-visit for anyone passing through Reading."
HariOm Tat Sat
"My bf proposed to me here March 22 2025. I drove from New York the night before with my dog and he met me here for a car show. Absolutely beautiful and surrounded by friends, after 5 years together he finally asked and I happily said yes. I can't wait to come back and take photos again one day 🥺🥺😭❤️💚❤️💚"
Yugvf Meow
"The Pagoda is being restored, but we still enjoyed a quick stop by! There was lots of parking and the drive up the mountain is fun, as well as pretty. The view is gorgeous, and we were happy to stop by despite the scaffolding. Will visit again when the scaffolding comes down and we can go inside."
H David
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Reading Pagoda is located at 98 Duryea Dr, Reading, PA 19602. The drive up Mount Penn is scenic and winding, offering beautiful views. Parking is available at the top.
Yes, the road leading up to the Pagoda is generally open at night, providing a different perspective of the city lights. Some users mention it's safe, while others advise caution due to potential teenage activity.
Absolutely! The winding roads up Mount Penn are a popular and enjoyable route for motorcycle riders, offering a fun experience with great views.
Public transportation options directly to the Pagoda are limited. It is best accessed by car or motorcycle.
The most common route is via Duryea Drive, which offers a scenic ascent up Mount Penn. Be prepared for winding roads.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Reading Pagoda and its grounds is completely free. Parking is also complimentary.
The exterior of the Reading Pagoda is accessible, but the building itself is currently closed for restoration. Visitors can still enjoy the views and grounds.
While the grounds are generally accessible, the interior of the Pagoda is closed due to ongoing restoration. The best times to visit for views are during daylight hours or sunset.
No, parking at the Reading Pagoda is free of charge for all visitors.
Currently, you cannot go inside the Reading Pagoda as it is undergoing extensive restoration. However, the exterior and surrounding views are still very much worth the visit.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, creating stunning silhouettes and vibrant skies. Daytime provides clear panoramic views of the city.
You'll get breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Reading, Mount Penn, and the surrounding Berks County. It's a popular spot for enjoying the skyline.
Yes, the Pagoda's unique architecture and stunning views make it a very popular and romantic spot for engagement photos and proposals.
While not explicitly prohibited in all content, drone usage is often subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Pagoda's management for current drone policies.
Each season offers a unique view. Fall provides vibrant foliage, winter can offer dramatic, stark landscapes, and spring/summer offer lush greenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Pagoda's kitchens are being set up for catering capacity, not full-scale food production. While there may be options for snacks and drinks, a full-service restaurant is not available.
While not explicitly stated, picnicking is generally acceptable in public park areas. However, it's always good practice to clean up after yourself.
There are no immediate cafes or snack bars directly at the Pagoda site. It's recommended to bring your own refreshments or dine in Reading before or after your visit.
The Pagoda aims to offer some options for grabbing a bite to eat and drink, likely in a catering or grab-and-go style, rather than a full restaurant experience.
Some reviews mention a gift shop inside the Pagoda, but with the current restoration, its availability might be limited.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
You can admire the unique Japanese architecture, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Reading, and learn about its history. The grounds are great for photos and relaxation.
The Pagoda is undergoing restoration, and accessibility details for the interior are not widely available. However, the exterior grounds and parking area are generally accessible.
A quick stop for photos and views can take about 30 minutes to an hour. If you plan to explore the grounds and enjoy the scenery, you might spend longer.
No, there are no public restrooms available at the Reading Pagoda site. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly.
Built in 1908 by William Abbott Witman, it was intended as part of a luxury resort. It was gifted to the city of Reading in 1911 and has since become a beloved symbol.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit