Folger Shakespeare Library Releases Timed-Entry Passes in Advance of June 21 Grand Reopening

Passes will ensure all visitors are able to fully enjoy the new exhibition halls when visiting the renovated and expanded Folger 

The Folger Shakespeare Library today announced timed-entry passes are available for the public to reserve at www.folger.edu/passes. While passes are not required to visit the Folger, they will ensure that guests are able to enter the Folger’s new exhibition halls at the time of their choosing. On very busy days, timed-entry passes will also be used to manage entry into the building itself.

The Folger officially opens its doors to the public at 1pm on Friday, June 21, following a private ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception. After Friday, the Folger will begin its regular hours of operation, opening Tuesday-Sunday at 11am. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday the building will close at 6pm, and Thursday-Saturday the building will close at 9pm. Hours may be extended Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday if performances are scheduled in the theater. Timed-entry passes will be available every day the Folger is open. Visitors can select the hour during which they want to enter the building and are guaranteed entry into the exhibition halls during that hour-long window, after which they may remain in the galleries as long as they like. Guests with passes will receive expedited entry into the building on busy days, while guests without passes will need to wait in line. Admission to the Folger is free, though a donation of $15 per person is suggested to support operating costs.

“We want to make sure everyone is primed for a great experience when they visit,” said Ruth Taylor Kidd, the Folger’s Chief Financial Officer. “Implementing the timed-entry system will help us manage crowds so that visitors are afforded the space to really explore all the incredible objects and activities built into the exhibition halls.”

During reopening weekend, the Folger will be staffed with extra gallery guides in the exhibition halls, Reading Room, theater, and gardens to introduce visitors to all the Folger has to offer. The Folger will be piloting a Decoder Trail game for children visiting the galleries and a seek and find game for very young children. Visitors who reserve timed-entry passes for opening weekend will be automatically entered into a raffle to win copies of the Folger’s editions of Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, and Twelfth Night along with merchandise from the new Folger Shop. Raffle winners will be announced throughout the day on June 21-23. Live music is scheduled throughout the weekend and a live painting session with artist and scenic designer Matthew J. Keenan is scheduled for Saturday, June 22 from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Lawn games will be available for visitors during daytime hours on Saturday. A full schedule of musical acts is listed below.

Visitors can plan their visit and reserve passes for June 21 through the end of September on the Folger’s website. Passes may be booked up to three months in advance.

Saturday, June 22
11:00am: DJ Nick tha 1da
12:00pm-12:30pm: Batalá Washington
12:45pm-1:15pm: Patria y Saloma
1:30pm-2:15pm: La Marvela
2:30pm-3:30pm: Be’la Dona

Sunday, June 23
11:00am-1:00pm Energico Jazz

About Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger Shakespeare Library makes Shakespeare’s stories and the world in which he lived accessible. Anchored by the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, the Folger is a place where curiosity and creativity are embraced and conversation is always encouraged. Visitors to the Folger can choose how they want to experience the arts and humanities, from interactive exhibitions to captivating performances, and from pathbreaking research to transformative educational programming. The Folger welcomes everyone to connect in their own way—from communities throughout Washington DC to communities across the globe. Learn more at folger.edu.

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