• Photo: Lloyd Wolf

    A Monument to Shakespeare

    Learn about the extraordinary Folger Shakespeare Library building, designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret, and its modernized classical exterior and English Renaissance interior. Through Jan 5

    About the Exhibition Curators' Insights

  • Photo: Brittany Diliberto

    1 Henry IV

    Join Prince Hal and Falstaff (played by Ed Gero, pictured) at the Boar's Head Tavern in this Folger Theatre production of Shakespeare’s 1 Henry IV, directed by Rosa Joshi. Onstage Sep 3 – Oct 13.

    Buy Tickets Director's Notes

  • Photo: Lloyd Wolf

    Shakespeare's Plays

    The Folger Shakespeare Library Editions are the most popular Shakespeare texts used in American classrooms. Visit Folger Digital Texts to read the full, searchable text of Shakespeare's plays online.

    Folger Digital Texts Resources for Teachers

  • Charlotte Cushman

    Actress Charlotte Cushman was a 19th-century international superstar who specialized in playing male roles, principally Hamlet and Romeo (pictured here with her sister as Juliet). Hear about her extraordinary life and career on the Folger’s Shakespeare Unlimited podcast.

    Listen More Podcast Episodes

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    Building Renovation Project

    The main building will be undergoing a major renovation beginning in early 2020 to expand public space, improve accessibility, and enhance the experience for all who come here. The project is supported by the $50 million Wonder of Will campaign.

    Building Project The Wonder of Will

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INSPIRED BY SHAKESPEARE

Shakespeare and Opera

From Rossini to Verdi, composers have found much to love in Shakespeare. Read about Sir John Falstaff’s popularity and the heartbreaking beauty of Charles Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet.

Falstaff Romeo and Juliet

EARLY MODERN LIFE

Mushrooms: Marginalized and Maligned

Attitudes towards mushrooms in Shakespeare’s England reveal deeply held cultural anxieties, as Before ‘Farm to Table’ fellow Michael Walkden explores.

More on Mushrooms Before Farm to Table

POP CULTURE

Shakespeare in Star Trek

September marks two big anniversaries for Star Trek fans. Explore the many connections to Shakespeare, from quotations and costumes to episode titles and plots.

Star Trek Klingon Shakespeare

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Shakespeare is our middle name. We are stewards of a precious resource of world heritage and culture—a living tradition that offers something truly elevating.
Michael Witmore
Folger Shakespeare Library Director
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  • Now on stage: 1 Henry IV

    Reputations are relative. Shakespeare's epic coming-of-age tale of power, rebellion, and honor launches the 2019/20 season. Directed by Rosa Joshi and featuring  Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Edward Gero, Naomi Jacobson, Kate Eastwood Norris, Avery Whitted, and others. Through October 13.

    Tickets & Information

  • Folger Theatre's 2019/20 Season

    Feast on a smorgasbord of Shakespeare and Shaffer. Larger-than-life characters—full of humor, hubris, and hunger—take the Folger stage next season. These legendary figures—from Falstaff to Mozart—will leave you craving more. Subscribers get the best seats at the best price, plus other exclusive benefits.

    Subscriber Info

  • Music for Machiavelli: Sept. 27-29

    Folger Consort performs songs that Machiavelli (The Prince) wrote for the Medici family and for his stage plays, as well as works from native composers of Northern Italy. With soprano Emily Noël. At St. Mark's Church on Capitol Hill. 

    Tickets & Info

Upcoming at the Folger

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Folger Education

Classroom Resources for Teaching Shakespeare

Folger Education works alongside teachers to develop engaging, effective tools for helping students have successful classroom encounters with Shakespeare and other complex texts.

Learn More