Building renovation
In 2024, the Folger completed a multi-year renovation to expand public space, improve accessibility, and enhance the experience for all who come here.
About the renovation
The building renovation project added new exhibition galleries, a learning lab, research spaces, social gathering spots, and more. Visitors now enter the new 12,000-square-foot Adams Pavilion through large, welcoming, and fully accessible plazas on both the east- and west-facing sides of the building. The project was made possible by The Wonder of Will Campaign.
Overview
Our Shakespeare Unlimited podcast provides a two-part overview.
A Tour of the Newly-Reopened Folger | Part 1
Join Shakespeare Unlimited host Barbara Bogaev on a personal tour of the Folger’s newly-renovated public spaces, opening June 21.
A Tour of the Newly-Reopened Folger | Part 2
We take a look at how research happens at the Folger, from Folger Institute fellowships to the chairs in our Reading Room.
The Wonder of Will:
The Campaign for the Folger Shakespeare Library
The Wonder of Will raised over $50 million to support the building renovation and the Folger’s many programs.
New spaces and experiences
Explore some of the renderings and designs for the building renovation.
Exterior spaces
Interior spaces
Exploring the Folger through New Exhibition Halls
Permanent and temporary exhibitions are now available year-round in two large exhibition halls.
Greeting Visitors with Inviting Outdoor Spaces
The landscaped entry plazas connect with open gardens on either side of the building, with paths and benches for visitors.
A touch of Shakespeare in new Folger spaces
Explore the new landscape and public spaces of the Folger Shakespeare Library to find touches of Shakespeare and the early modern age in which he lived.
Education
The learning lab is the Folger’s new center for all kinds of learning, including hands-on demonstrations, interactive workshops, and lively discussions for learners of all ages. More deeply engaging programs for students and teachers will enrich and support classroom work with Shakespeare’s texts.
Research
The renovation created new study rooms for researchers to consult about rare materials with Folger curators and conservators, along with multipurpose, flexible spaces for collaboration and seminars by the Folger Institute and others. As part of the renovation, the Reading Room received new carpeting and ergonomic furniture.
Visitor amenities
- Full accessibility
- Elevator access to all public levels
- A new café in the Great Hall
- Expanded gift shop
- Expanded restrooms
New artwork
Fred Wilson Installation Draws in Visitors
As visitors enter the Folger’s Shakespeare Exhibition Hall from the west lobby, before discovering the playwright’s stories and related artifacts in the interactive galleries, a majestic black mirror centered on a scarlet wall beckons them to take a closer look.
New Artwork Illuminates the Renovation
A floating paper sculpture by Anke Neumann lights the stairs from the new visitor lobby to the historic theater above.
A New Poem by Rita Dove Invites Visitors Inside
Rita Dove shares the story behind her new poem, which is inscribed in the marble edge around the Folger’s west garden.
Timeline
Track the project’s progress since 2018.
June 2018
Restoration work begins on the Folger’s historic façade
April 15, 2019
The Wonder of Will campaign launches
January 4, 2020
Final day for research in the Folger Reading Rooms before construction begins
January 5, 2020
Final day for daytime visitors to the Folger main building before construction begins; the building remains open to the public for evening events
March 1, 2020
Final performance in the Elizabethan Theatre for the 2019-2020 Folger Theatre season; public evening access to the building ends
August 26, 2020
Ceremonial groundbreaking
September 2020
Puck statue and fountain disassembled for safe storage during construction
October 2020
The historic magnolia tree is moved to its new location in the West Garden
December 2020
Plinth dismantled and excavation begins
***
September 21, 2023
Puck statue unveiled in its new home in the East Entry Plaza
November 5, 2023
Folger Theatre reopens its doors with The Winter’s Tale
June 21, 2024
Building reopens to the public
June 25, 2024
The Reading Room reopens
Construction stories
About the architects, designers, and other partners
Learn more about the people we worked with to accomplish this project.
Architects
KieranTimberlake is an internationally acclaimed architecture firm with a portfolio of beautifully crafted, thoughtfully made buildings that are holistically integrated to site, program, and people. Founded in 1984, the 100-person practice is recognized worldwide with prestigious design awards, publications, and exhibitions. The firm’s transdisciplinary approach integrates the expertise of architects, researchers, and communicators to create innovative, compelling, and award-winning projects for academic, art, cultural, government, and civic institutions throughout North America and overseas.
Landscape architects
OLIN is dedicated to affecting positive change through landscape architecture, urban design, and planning. From its studios in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, the firm practices in a range of scales, including ecological and regional systems, urban districts, campuses, civic parks, plazas, and intimate gardens. OLIN’s diverse group of partners leads the firm in developing multifunctional, highly crafted, and environmentally sensitive design solutions, uniting natural processes with technical innovation to produce contemporary and beautiful places that are beloved for generations.
Design
Pentagram is the world’s largest independently owned design studio. Our work encompasses graphics and identity, architecture and interiors, products and packaging, exhibitions and installations, websites and digital experiences, advertising and communications. Our 23 partners are all practicing designers, and whether they are working collaboratively or independently, they always do so in friendship.
Our structure is unique. We are the only major design studio where the owners of the business are the creators of the work and serve as the primary contact for every client. This reflects our conviction that great design cannot happen without passion, intelligence, and — above all — personal commitment, and is demonstrated by a portfolio that spans five decades and all industries.
Exhibition design and narrative
Studio Joseph is an architectural and exhibition design studio. In our integrated approach, both fields of study inform the other, forging the firm’s reputation for carefully detailed, original work. Our practice surpasses traditional architecture and casework design to create bespoke environments with emotional impact. We believe that museums and cultural institutions cannot be defined solely in physical terms and our work seeks to illuminate and express each institution’s unique identity and driving spirit.
Bluecadet is redefining visitor experience for the world’s most creative businesses, brands, and cultural institutions. Bluecadet was born in a museum, raised in a Philly rowhouse, and has grown to a 50-person team with studios in Philadelphia, New York, and LA. Our work ranges from designing visitor centers and immersive exhibition installations to developing comprehensive web platforms and digital tools — all designed, tested, and crafted to share stories that make an impact.
Storythings was founded in 2011. We help good people tell important stories in fascinating ways. We develop content formats, build brands and grow loyal audiences. We are a team of experts in audience research and behaviour, the science of story structures, and turning communications into culture. We produce long-form editorial journalism, podcasts, illustrations, graphic comics, data visualizations, animations, documentaries, infographics, and other innovative content formats.
Our construction partners
Gilbane Building Company
Construction Management
Becker and Frondorf
Project Management
TD Bank
Financing
Luke Hughes
Furniture