GoggleWorks Center for the Arts — Attraction in Reading

GoggleWorksCenter for the Arts

History

We transform lives through unique interactions with art. Learn how we got here.

A prime example of adaptive reuse architecture, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts derives its name from our campus' historic role in the manufacturing of optical glass lenses and safety goggles here in the United States.

1871

Thomas A. Willson & Co. opens its factory doors on 2nd & Washington Streets in downtown Reading, PA. Founded by Gile J. Willson and Dr. Thomas A. Willson, it's the first company in the United States to manufacture optical lenses.

1876

Thomas A. Willson patents the process for hardening glass, enabling the production of shatterproof protective eyeglasses. Among the company's bestsellers at this time are Arundel tinted lenses.

1913

Working with Thomas A. Willson & Co., the National Safety Council is formed to set standards for uniform safety standards for America's workers.

1936

Thomas A. Willson becomes Willson Products Inc. to emphasize the large range of products the company was now manufacturing, including ear protectors, breathing devices, gas masks, and the Saf-t-bra.

1939

Willson Products helps the war effort by making aviator goggles and high altitude oxygen masks for pilots in the military. By 1943, the factory was manufacturing all of the sunglasses issued to the U.S. Military during World War II, and reached its peak at 1,300 workers.

1950

Willson Products begins to manufacture swimming goggles. During this year, Florence Chadwick wears them to traverse the English Channel.

1980

Due to the Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA), Willson stops manufacturing safety eyewear and focuses its attention on developing new varieties of respirators, gloves, and other protective equipment.

2002

Under the name Dalloz Safety Plant since 1997, the factory closes, ending the campus' 130 year history of manufacturing safety products.

2005

The campus is reimagined, renovated, and reopened as GoggleWorks Center for the Arts - now serving over 250,000 visitors annually and one of the largest interactive art center of its kind in...

My partner and I can’t express enough how much we absolutely loved having Goggleworks as our wedding venue! We met during college in our art program, so being able to have our wedding day in an arts building surrounded by beautiful artwork was so special. Goggleworks was one of the first places I happened upon while browsing venues in the area and I knew it was the one right away. Margaret was an absolute dream to work with and took all of the stress out of wedding planning - she was always quick to answer any questions we had and was consistently so helpful and kind up to the day. The space at Goggleworks is so very exceptional and unique (we chose room 238 for our full event - the market lights and exposed brick are positively dreamy!), the perfect size for our smaller wedding (we had around 50 guests attend), and very affordable! We were also able to set up the day before which was perfect. Our guests absolutely loved the venue and could not stop raving about it - we loved that everyone was able to walk around the center in between our ceremony and reception to view the art exhibits. One attendee said it was the first time they’d purchased a souvenir at a wedding (referring to the gift shop!) This is truly a hidden beautiful gem of a venue - we wish we could do it all over again and I would give 1000 stars review if I could! We also appreciate as a queer couple that this venue was 100% LGBTQ+ friendly and we were so comfortable and grateful. We truly cannot recommend Goggleworks enough and especially the absolute rockstar that is Margaret! Thank you for making our day the most perfect...

I had my wedding a little over two months ago and was absolutely astonished by how great GoggleWorks was. From the minute I got into contact with them Margaret responded in 20 minutes or less via email during regular operating hours. She was kind, patient, and helpful throughout the whole process. Last minute I had to get new bartenders and she was first in line to recommend people just a week before the wedding. I found out about this venue because I tried glassblowing here years ago, but they also have ring making classes if you so choose to create your heirloom for the special day. No one was pushy about making me spend extra money for add ons and I cannot express enough how helpful Tess was as the Day of Coordinator. They were kind, professional, and so sweet even when guests were drunk and rowdy. It felt like they were a part of the wedding! I opted to get the day before to decorate so I had the venue from 9am Friday to 4pm Sunday. We had a lovely brunch the day after and my dog got to be a part of the ceremony. My only regret with this venue is not writing them a stellar review earlier. If you have any hesitations I highly recommend punching them to the ground and choose GoggleWorks! (PLUS the lighting was absolutely PERFECT and there were a lot of scenic places to take...