The Folger welcomes visiting groups from 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday (closed federal holidays)as well as for evening and weekend performances. We offer group tours (arranged in advance) and group discounts for Folger Theatre and Folger Consort performances.
When visiting the library, groups can enjoy touring our national landmark building, viewing changing exhibitions of our collection, including an interactive touchscreen display of one of our 79 Shakespeare First Folios. A short documentary video about the Folger and its programs is available. The Folger Gift Shop offers a wide array of books, movies and recordings, clothing, jewelry, note cards, and more, all inspired by the Folger collection.
School Visits
Docents conduct ninety-minute workshops and lead school groups through activities in the Folger's Elizabethan Theatre to make Shakespeare come alive. In each school visit, students learn about Shakespeare's life, times, and work from an interactive approach. A typical workshop often involves students trying on costumes typical of Elizabethan dress, speaking some of Shakespeare's language on the Folger stage, and participating in other language-based activities.
The school visit program is offered on select days throughout the year from 10:30am-Noon. Group size is limited to 50 participants and the fee is $75. For more information, select the School Visits and Tours link at right. Call early—available dates fill up fast!
Group Tours
Group Tours for older students or adults are also available. Each tour covers our exhibition hall, Elizabethan Theatre, and Founders' Room, with an informative discussion about Shakespeare and the English Renaissance. Docents tailor their talks to each group's interests and experience.
Free public tours are available Monday through Friday at 11am and 3pm, on Saturday at 11am and 1pm. Reservations are not required for public tours.
Private tours at an alternate time may also be scheduled for a fee of $100.
A Docent Presents
Let the Folger come to you! Our docents provide a one-hour, multi-media presentation on the life and times of Shakespeare and the Folger's unique collection . An informative introduction to the Elizabethan era, the presentation can be tailored the needs of a range of age groups. This program serves the DC metro region and requires a fee of $100.
To arrange for a group tour or presentation, please call (202) 675–0395 in advance or e-mail us at educate@folger.edu.
Ticket Discounts
Group discounts are available on ticket orders for ten or more people to most Folger performances. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling Folger Group Sales at (202) 675–0367; group ticket discounts are not available online. Subject to availability.
Student Matinees
Student matinees are available for most Folger Theatre productions. Click here for more information, including dates and prices, or call Folger Group Sales at (202) 675–0367.
Bill’s Buddies workshops
School groups may also visit the Elizabethan Theatre for performances and participatory workshops by Bill’s Buddies, an ensemble of professional actors from the Folger Shakespeare Library. Click here for more information, including dates, times, and prices, or call Folger Group Sales at (202) 675–0367.
Site Rental
Spaces at the Folger Shakespeare Library are available for rental for group meetings and conferences, receptions, and dinners. For more information, click here.
