Shakespeare on stage
Folger Theatre presents Measure for Measure, Hamlet, and The Comedy of Errors
Welcome to the Folger!
Choose how you want to experience Shakespeare, the humanities, and our world-renowned collection.
Visit Shakespeare’s home in America
Plan your visit
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Take a tour
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Eat at Quill & Crumb
Enjoy lunch or a quick snack at our café.
About us
The Folger Shakespeare Library showcases the utility of Shakespeare and the humanities in cultivating healthy civic life.
What’s on
Join us for theater, poetry, talks, and other programs.
Monteverdi’s Legacy
Folger Book Club: 'Fair Rosaline' by Natasha Solomons
Family Workshop: Laughter in the Learning Lab
Early Music Seminar: Monteverdi’s Legacy
Printing Press Demonstrations
New Ways into Romeo and Juliet with the Folger Method
Cocktails & Conversation with Emily Lyon and Anne-Claire Michoux
The latest from our blogs and podcast
'Fair Rosaline' Resource Guide
On September 3, 2026 the Folger’s virtual book club returns with a discussion of Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons. To prepare for the discussion, we have pulled together a list of resources related to Shakespeare’s famous love (or is it “love”?) story.
Antony and Cleopatra in 1776
What were readers of Shakespeare thinking about as the United States was forming? Scholar Brandi K. Adams looks at a critical edition of Antony and Cleopatra published in 1776 and how our understanding of the plays builds off past readings.
Shakespeare and the Law, with Len Niehoff
Why is it important for lawyers to brush up their Shakespeare? University of Michigan Law professor and author Len Niehoff discusses what Shakespeare can teach lawyers about looking at problems from every possible angle.
International Dog Day: Delightful Dogs From the Photo Album of Ellen Terry
In anticipation of International Dog Day, Imaging Associate Chris Naulty shares some adorable dogs from the photo album of actress Ellen Terry.
RIP Richard III
On August 22, 1485, Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field. 500 years later, Richard is one of Shakespeare’s most famous and popular villains. But how much of Shakespeare’s depiction is truth and how much is theatrical invention?
Collection Connections: 'The Fraud' by Zadie Smith
We revisit Erica Haugtvedt‘s August 2026 presentation as part of our Folger Book Club discussion of Zadie Smith’s The Fraud.
Our collection
The First Folio
The Folger has the world’s largest collection of First Folios. Learn more about the book that gave us Shakespeare.
A majestic portrait
The Folger collection includes about 200 paintings. This portrait of Queen Elizabeth I by George Gower is dated 1579, making it the oldest painting in our collection. Two years after he completed this portrait, Gower became Serjeant Painter to the Queen, making him the most important artist in England.
Our other Elizabeth I holdings include hand-signed letters, books, and even New Year’s gift rolls detailing her holiday gifts. It is the largest collection of Elizabeth I materials in North America.
Shakespeare’s works
View the full list of plays and poems to read, search, and download our bestselling editions of Shakespeare’s works.
Shakespeare’s most popular plays
Romeo and Juliet
Macbeth
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Julius Caesar
Othello
Hamlet
Explore
What was Shakespeare's theater like?
Learn about the Globe and other London playhouses where Shakespeare’s company performed. What was it like to be an actor there, or an audience member?
Teach
How can Shakespeare help 21st-century students be stronger readers?
Our Folger Method is revolutionizing how not just Shakespeare but all literature is taught using strategies that allow all students to own – and enjoy – complex texts.
Research
If we are what we eat, what can recipes from the past tell us?
Projects like Before ‘Farm to Table’ unite scholars and practitioners in investigations into the past to shed light on what matters to us today.
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Folger Shop
Find unique gifts inspired by Shakespeare and our collection.