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    The World's Largest Shakespeare Collection

    The Folger Shakespeare Library, established on Capitol Hill in 1932 as a gift to the American people, is home to the world’s largest collection of First Folios, the book that gave us Shakespeare. Learn more about the First Folio and see other treasures from the Shakespeare collection.

    About the First Folio Shakespeare Collection

  • Performances Online & In Person

    From the music of Folger Consort and jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut to poetry, literary readings, and book clubs with writers like Ann Patchett and Victoria Chang—plus the launch of a new theater season, join our audience wherever you are.

    Find Events

  • J.R. Brantley

    Exploring Shakespeare and the Folger Collection

    Dive into the vast Folger collection to discover more about Shakespeare and the early modern world. Need guidance? Our Researcher Services team is here to support. High school teachers can find Shakespeare lesson plans and professional development at Folger Teaching.

    Research Teaching Resources

  • Gathering for a Good Cause

    On May 16, join us at the Anthem for an evening of entertainment with countertenor John Holiday from "The Voice" and delicious food and drink with friends. The Folger Gala provides critical support for our programs and services that bring Shakespeare to life.

    Learn more Tickets

  • The Wonder of Will

    The Wonder of Will: The Campaign for the Folger Shakespeare Library is raising $50 million to support a major building renovation project and the Folger’s many programs that bring Shakespeare and his world to life for scholars, students, enthusiasts, and you. A new pavilion will feature exhibition galleries and accessible, inviting public spaces.

    The Wonder of Will Building Renovation

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ADAPTING SHAKESPEARE

West Side Story: Then and Now

A love affair between two teenagers divided by rival gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, ends in tragedy… it's Romeo and Juliet in 1950s New York. Carla Della Gatta writes about how the original West Side Story movie became the de facto representation of US Latinx in musicals for decades—and what stands out about Steven Spielberg’s new version, 60 years later.

Original Version 2021 Film

PODCAST

The Private Life of Shakespeare

What’s true? What’s provable? Listen to an interview with scholar Lena Cowen Orlin on the Folger’s Shakespeare Unlimited podcast and explore the largest and most authoritative collection of primary-source materials about Shakespeare's life at Shakespeare Documented.

Podcast Interview Shakespeare Documented

INSIDE THE PLAYS

Greek Myths and Shakespeare

Classical allusions are sprinkled throughout Shakespeare’s plays. Explore some of the Greek mythological figures that are referenced or appear as characters, such as the goddesses Athena and Aphrodite, the Amazonian queen Hippolyta, and others.

Athena Greek Myths Series

FROM THE DIRECTOR

As an institution representing the arts and humanities, part of our role in civic life is to take deep questions and deep disagreements and meet them with a knowledge of history and a passion for greater understanding.
Michael Witmore
Folger Shakespeare Library Director
More

  • Medieval Music of the Roman de Fauvel

    Folger Consort performs eccentric Medieval music of the Roman de Fauvel, paired with the world premiere of new settings by composer Juri Seo. Live, in-person performances at St. Mark's on Capitol Hill, April 22-24, 2022, and also available to stream on-demand.

    Tickets & Information

  • Folger Poetry: Vievee Francis

    In response to The Phillips Collection exhibition Picasso: Painting the Blue Period, poet Vievee Francis shares her work and communes with these pivotal works of art. Virtual reading on Wed, Apr 27, at 7:30pm.

    Tickets & Information

  • Autumn Leaves: Now Streaming

    Jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut joins poets Kyle Dargan and Lenard D. Moore for an intimate improvisation on words and music. Part reading, part concert, each artist shares their powerful compositions to spark and inspire one another in this free style performance. Now streaming on-demand through June 30, 2022.

    Tickets & Info

  • Eudora Welty Lecture: Ann Patchett

    New York Times best-selling author Ann Patchett (Bel Canto and The Dutch House) visited the home museum of Eudora Welty in Jackson, Mississippi and ended her tour in the living room where she delivered this year's Eudora Welty Lecture and conversation. Now available to stream on-demand through June 30, 2022.

    Tickets & Information
  • Shakespeare Lightning Round graphic

    Shakespeare Lightning Round

    Tune in on Instagram Live for a fun, fast-paced, Shakespearean chat show. We ask our guests 30 lightning-fast questions about their favorite—and least favorite—things about the Bard.

    Past and Upcoming Episodes

Upcoming Folger Events & Programs

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Folger Education

Folger Teaching

Supporting teachers is more important than ever now. Folger Education has launched an online home for teacher members, Folger Teaching. Teachers can download lesson plans, participate in professional development workshops, and connect to a wide range of related Folger programs and resources.

 

Folger Teaching