Folger Consort presents a program of Elizabethan songs and instrumental music interspersed with short readings of poems, garden descriptions, and advice from contemporary authors.
The 2026 O.B. Hardison Poetry Series Finale Reading
The Poetry season concludes with a finale reading by a poet chosen by a group of Folger Poetry supporters. This year's reader, Kwame Dawes, is Poet Laureate of Jamaica (2024-2027) and winner of the prestigious Windham/Campbell Award for Poetry.
In this tour-de-force performance, Jacob Ming-Trent dares to rescue himself from the “slings and arrows” of his past. Born with a gift for poetry but rejected as unfit to play the part of the poet, Ming-Trent’s search for home is relentless, and the results are by turns hilarious and tragic.
Subscriptions are now on sale for Folger Theatre and Folger Consort’s 2026-2027 seasons! Dates and program titles will be announced this spring, but you can lock in the best seats (and a host of other benefits) by purchasing your subscription today.
Collage Poetry Workshop with Hannah Baker Saltmarsh and Sarah Antine
In this workshop, we’ll provide materials and inspiration for creating an artistic collage that references the symbolic meanings of flowers found in Ophelia’s famous speech and other poetic texts, from Emily Dickinson to Audre Lorde.
Folger Salon with Nakeisha Daniel and JaMeeka Holloway, and Lorenzo Gatta
Learn about research happening at the Folger in real time! Each month, Folger Institute scholar and artist fellows will share their most exciting finds and thought-provoking challenges, followed by casual open conversation.
Dive into themes in the Folger exhibitions while talking with scholars, exploring the Folger collection, and seeing a play as part of this course at the Folger.
The Folger is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by sharing items that show how Americans from all backgrounds have made Shakespeare’s words and stories their own.
Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era
Displayed together for the first time since 1805, 14 paintings from the influential Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London will be on view at the Folger, offering visitors the chance to consider both the stories Shakespeare created and the stories that were created about him.
Explore our world-class collection and enjoy interactive experiences created for visitors of all ages and stages.
Our Shakespeare Exhibition Hall is devoted to the works of William Shakespeare then and there, here and now — including for the first time a display of all 82 copies of the Folger’s First Folios; and
In our Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall, you’ll discover exhibits of significant collection items that inspire the Folger’s work, deep dives into our vault, and special exhibitions.
Families will take inspiration from the season to make connections with nature in Shakespeare’s plays and throughout the Folger itself. Then, head to the Folger’s gardens to compose an “Ode to the Folger Gardens,” using lines from Shakespeare and Rita Dove’s poetry!
