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Performances, events, and exhibitions

What's on

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There’s something for everyone. From award-winning theater and music, to poetry and exhibitions, experience the power of the arts with us.
- Calendar Upcoming events
- Exhibitions What's on view in our galleries
- The Reading Room Festival Jan 30 – Feb 2: New works inspired by and in conversation with Shakespeare
- Music Folger Consort, our early music ensemble in residence, and more
- Poetry The O.B. Hardison Poetry Series and additional readings
- Theater "A Room in the Castle" and more from Folger Theatre
Visit

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The Folger is open! Learn about what's new and plan your visit.
- Plan your visit Hours, timed-entry passes, and what to know before you go
- Exhibitions What's on view in our galleries
- Things to do Why you should visit
- Our building and grounds The reimagined Folger
- Quill & Crumb Our new café is now open
- Visiting our theater Theater entrance, box office hours, seat map, and FAQ

Shakespeare, his world, and beyond

Explore

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Discover Shakespeare’s stories and the world that shaped them. Deepen your understanding of his works and their cultural influence.
- Shakespeare's works Read and learn more about Shakespeare's plays and poems
- Shakespeare in print The First Folio (the book that gave us Shakespeare) and what came after
- Shakespeare in performance From playhouse to film sets, explore four centuries of staging Shakespeare
- Shakespeare's life Find out about Shakespeare's life in Stratford and London
- Collection highlights See manuscripts, paintings, costumes, and more from the Folger collection
- Shakespeare for kids Resources and activities for young children and their parents
Teach

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Bring Shakespeare’s work to life in the classroom. Find teaching resources and opportunities.
- Teaching with the Folger Method An accessible and immersive way to teach students about any kind of literature
- Become a Teacher Member Get full access to the latest resources and ongoing professional development
- Professional development From live webinars to on-demand content for educators, join us
- Teaching resources Access lesson plans and activities for the classroom, organized by play
- Shakespeare's works Read and search the complete works of Shakespeare for free
- Student programs All kinds of programs for all kinds of students
Research

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Dive deep into the world’s largest Shakespeare collection and access primary sources from the early modern period.
- About our collections From printed works of Shakespeare to rare materials from the early modern period
- Use the library Researcher registration and reference services
- Folger Institute Find out about our scholarly programs and fellowship opportunities
- Search the catalog Use our online catalog to search the Folger collection
- Online resources Access our digital image collection, finding aids, and more
- Ask a librarian Get answers to your questions about Shakespeare, our collection, and more

Become a part of the story

Join and Support

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Support us to bring Shakespeare and his world to life for everyone.
- Become a member Unlock more of the Folger with a membership
- Donate now Make a gift online
- How to give More options for how to make your donation
- The Wonder of Will Our campaign supporting the building renovation project
- Planned giving Help keep the Folger going and growing for the next generation
- Folger Gala A celebratory evening to benefit the Folger

Charlotte Cushman, by Thomas Sully

Thomas Sully. Charlotte Cushman. Oil on canvas, 1843. Folger Shakespeare Library. FB Facebook

Oil portrait of Charlotte Cushman

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