• Photo: Lloyd Wolf

    A Monument to Shakespeare

    Learn about the extraordinary Folger Shakespeare Library building, designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret, and its modernized classical exterior and English Renaissance interior. Through Jan 5

    About the Exhibition Curators' Insights

  • Photo: Brittany Diliberto

    1 Henry IV

    Join Prince Hal and Falstaff (played by Ed Gero, pictured) at the Boar's Head Tavern in this Folger Theatre production of Shakespeare’s 1 Henry IV, directed by Rosa Joshi. Onstage Sep 3 – Oct 13.

    Buy Tickets Director's Notes

  • Photo: Lloyd Wolf

    Shakespeare's Plays

    The Folger Shakespeare Library Editions are the most popular Shakespeare texts used in American classrooms. Visit Folger Digital Texts to read the full, searchable text of Shakespeare's plays online.

    Folger Digital Texts Resources for Teachers

  • Charlotte Cushman

    Actress Charlotte Cushman was a 19th-century international superstar who specialized in playing male roles, principally Hamlet and Romeo (pictured here with her sister as Juliet). Hear about her extraordinary life and career on the Folger’s Shakespeare Unlimited podcast.

    Listen More Podcast Episodes

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    Building Renovation Project

    The main building will be undergoing a major renovation beginning in early 2020 to expand public space, improve accessibility, and enhance the experience for all who come here. The project is supported by the $50 million Wonder of Will campaign.

    Building Project The Wonder of Will

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STAGING SHAKESPEARE

Outdoor Shakespeare Pioneers

Summertime is the perfect time for enjoying Shakespeare outdoors. Learn about the history of semi-amateur outdoor theatricals, often led by women, in England and America in the late 19th century.

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LOCAL HISTORY

Frederick Douglass, A Shakespearean in Washington

The famous abolitionist and orator attended Shakespeare performances and even participated in a local Shakespeare club in Washington, DC.

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OFF THE SHELF

Caliban by the Yellow Sands

Learn about a 1916 Tempest-inspired “community masque” in this excerpt from Here in This Island We Arrived: Shakespeare and Belonging in Immigrant New York by Elisabeth H. Kinsley.

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FROM THE DIRECTOR

Shakespeare is our middle name. We are stewards of a precious resource of world heritage and culture—a living tradition that offers something truly elevating.
Michael Witmore
Folger Shakespeare Library Director
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  • Folger Theatre's 2019/20 Season

    Feast on a smorgasbord of Shakespeare and Shaffer. Larger-than-life characters—full of humor, hubris, and hunger—take the Folger stage next season. These legendary figures—from Falstaff to Mozart—will leave you craving more. Subscribers get the best seats at the best price, plus other exclusive benefits.

    Subscriber Info

  • Folger Consort's 2019/20 Season: Bella Italia

    Five concerts celebrating Italy—Machiavelli's Florence, Vivaldi and Corelli at Christmas, masterworks by Palestrina, Monteverdi, and more. Subscribe and save for a season of performances at St. Mark's Church on Capitol Hill and our annual concert at Washington National Cathedral.

    Subscriber Info

  • 2019/20 Season of Poetry

    Hear the most exciting literary voices in a season of poetry of enchantment. Highlights include evenings on witchcraft and motherhood, Emily Dickinson, and more. Readings include a wine reception & book signing. Subscribe to all 8 readings or create your own package.

    Subscriber Info

  • Next on stage: 1 Henry IV

    Reputations are relative. Shakespeare's epic coming-of-age tale of power, rebellion, and honor launches the 2019/20 season. Directed by Rosa Joshi and featuring  Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Edward Gero, Naomi Jacobson, Kate Eastwood Norris, Avery Whitted, and others.

    Tickets & Information

  • Folger Poetry celebrates Graywolf Press

    The O.B. Hardison Poetry Series opens its season on Monday, September 16 at 7:30pm, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the influential publishing house Graywolf Press, with readings by poets Danez Smith, Ilya Kaminsky, and Fanny Howe.

    Tickets & Info

Upcoming at the Folger

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Folger Education

Classroom Resources for Teaching Shakespeare

Folger Education works alongside teachers to develop engaging, effective tools for helping students have successful classroom encounters with Shakespeare and other complex texts.

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