When one thinks of the treasures of the Folger Shakespeare Library, books and manuscripts and artwork immediately come to mind. But for many, the library's national landmark building—designed by Paul Philippe Cret (1876–1945)—is a high point. The Folger Shakespeare Library was dedicated in 1932 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Related Exhibition:
A Monument to Shakespeare: The Architecture of the Folger Shakespeare Library (Apr 13, 2019 – Jan 5, 2020)
Located a block from the US Capitol, the Folger Shakespeare Library is an Elizabethan monument with a neoclassical exterior. On the outside, its white marble harmonizes with nearby buildings, such as the Library of Congress, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court. Inside, the design evokes Tudor England, with oak paneling, ornamental floor tile, and high plaster ceilings.
Learn more about the building's history
This video explores the Folger's three most distinctive indoor spaces: the Great Hall, the historic reading room, and the Elizabethan Theatre.
Bas-reliefs
The Folger building is well known for the Shakespeare bas-reliefs along its north façade, created by John Gregory. For an in-depth look at these bas-reliefs, read a series of blog posts on Shakespeare & Beyond.
Inscriptions
The building is extensively ornamented with inscriptions of quotations by and about Shakespeare. Quotations were often used to adorn English great houses of Shakespeare's day, and are an essential part of the Folger's architecture. Henry Folger personally selected the inscriptions that may be found throughout the interior, the exterior, and the grounds. It was his wish that any texts taken from the 1623 First Folio of Shakespeare should be spelled as they appear there, rather than in the modern style.
Architects
The chief architect for the Folger Shakespeare Library was Paul Philippe Cret, a well-known Philadelphia architect and French emigré who had trained in the Beaux Arts tradition in Paris. Some of his previous projects included the Pan American Union in Washington and the Detroit Institute of Arts. Washington architect Alexander Trowbridge was the consulting architect for the project.
Renovation Plan
The main building is undergoing a major renovation beginning in 2020 to expand public space, improve accessibility, and enhance the experience for all who come to the Folger. During the multi-year renovation, public access to the building will be restricted, but Folger programs and events will continue at other locations in Washington, DC, and around the country.