The community of members who support the Folger enables us to make Shakespeare’s stories and the world in which he lived accessible to a variety of audiences. We warmly welcome our neighbors in the DC region and visitors from around the world to experience our collection, programs, performances, and resources. Support the Folger in its mission and deepen your engagement with Shakespeare, the arts, and humanities with a Folger membership.
Member benefits
Our members are joining us at an incredible moment in our history as we reopen our building after a transformative, four-year renovation. We are offering our members rich and unique experiences in our galleries and theater, discounts and priority access, and backstage and behind-the-scenes opportunities.
Read on to learn about specific benefits offered at each membership level.
Friends of the Folger
Individual Member – $100
100% tax deductible
Access to gallery talks, expert-led tours, Director-led discussions, and scholarly lectures
- Annual subscription to digital Folger Magazine
- Early access to Shakespeare Unlimited and Folger digital content
- Priority timed-entry passes to Folger exhibition halls
- 10% discount on single tickets to Folger Theatre, Folger Consort, and Poetry readings
- 10% discount at Folger Gift Shop and Quill & Crumb Café
Are you a student? Looking for an option for your family? Want to bring a partner or a friend? All the benefits listed for individual members are offered in the memberships below.
Student
Membership
$75
Dual
Membership
$140
Family
Membership
$175
Teacher Memberships
Are you a teacher? If so, you can join the Folger in a special way, by becoming a member of the institution as well as gaining an exclusive subscription to our online home for Teacher Members, Folger Teaching. From lesson plans and primary sources to podcasts and videos, you will be able to search, download, and save your favorite resources.
Sustainer – $250
100% tax deductible
Enjoy all the benefits of individual membership listed above. Your additional contribution supports the Folger in welcoming new visitors, caring for its collection, and creating world-class arts programming.
Patron – $500
$310 tax deductible
Enjoy all the benefits of individual membership listed above. Your additional contribution supports the Folger in welcoming new visitors, caring for its collection, and creating world-class arts programming.
Additional benefits include
- Access to unique pre-program members-only activities
- Recognition in our Impact Report
Supporter – $1,000
$810 tax deductible
Enjoy all the benefits of individual membership and Patron membership listed above.
Additional benefits include
- Invitation for two to one Renaissance Circle program, such as an Exhibition Opening Reception or Party
Renaissance Circle
Conservator’s Circle – $2,500
$1,848 tax deductible
Enjoy all the benefits of Friends of the Folger membership listed above, as well as the exclusive behind-the-scenes and special access offered to Renaissance Circle members.
- Invitation for two to the Renaissance Circles Dinner
- Invitation for two to (1) Theatre opening night
- Access to one open rehearsal of Folger Consort
- Special programs that feature behind-the-scenes access to the Folger collection, curators, librarians, and scholars
- Listing on Renaissance Circle digital donor wall
- Recognition as donor in each theatre playbill
- Additional seasonal discounts at the gift shop and Quill & Crumb
Curator’s Circle – $5,000
$4,186 tax deductible
Enjoy all the benefits of Conservator’s Circle members along with these additional benefits.
- Invitation for two to (2) Theatre opening nights
Librarian’s Circle – $10,000
$8,886 tax deductible
Enjoy all the benefits of Conservator’s Circle members along with these additional benefits.
- Invitation for two to (2) Theatre opening nights
- Leadership dinner with the Folger Director
Director’s Circle – $15,000
$13,722 tax deductible
Help steward the work of the Folger. Benefits include all those listed for the Conservator’s Circle along with these additional benefits.
- Invitation for two to (3) Theatre opening nights
- Leadership dinner with the Folger Director
Hear from Folger Members
For every stage of life, the Folger offers inspiration
Paul Cymrot, the owner of a Fredericksburg bookstore and a lifelong fan of the Folger, shares the story of how he found his path through Folger programs.
What the Folger Method offers students today
English teacher Donna Denizé shares how the Folger Method helps all students connect with Shakespeare’s plays and poems, as well as grow in emotional intelligence.
Experiencing Shakespeare in real life
Eight-year-old actor Richard Bradford and his mother, Elizabeth Bradford, share how they’ve experienced Shakespeare through the Folger.
Give the Gift of a Membership
Give the gift of a Folger membership! Your friends and loved ones can access the benefits and discounts of membership while you support our cause. You can make a gift online or call the Membership Office at 202-675-0303.