Experience and learn
In our exhibition galleries, get up close with the incredible books, manuscripts, art, and objects that make up the world’s largest Shakespeare collection. Learn about Shakespeare’s life, the world in which he lived, his plays, and the many ways people have engaged with his language, characters, and stories over the past four centuries. And it’s not just about Shakespeare. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, literature, theater, art, or rare books.
Hands-on activities
With lots of interactive opportunities and a special kids trail through our exhibitions, it’s a great time for visitors of all ages. Make your own Shakespeare scene, set type for printing, become a First Folio detective, fold paper to make books, and more.
Plan your visit
Admission is free, and all are welcome! We recommend that you reserve a pay-what-you-will timed-entry pass, with a suggested donation starting at $15.
Exhibition tours
We invite you to take one of our self-guided tours, but there’s no one path through the galleries, so you’re welcome to explore at your own pace. Curious to learn more about something in the exhibitions? Gallery guides will be on hand to answer questions.
Ongoing exhibitions
Our Shakespeare Exhibition
See the books that gave us Shakespeare, experience the man and his plays, and learn about the complexities of his cultural legacy. Don’t miss the First Folios and the printing press.
Out of the Vault
See signature objects from our collection and learn how they connect with various aspects of the Folger’s work, through the voices of the people who use them.
Special exhibitions
Little Books, Big Gifts: The Artistry of Esther Inglis
How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition
Things to do in our exhibition galleries
Enjoy these fun hands-on activities for all ages.
Decoder Trail
Young Shakespeare sleuths (recommended ages 6-9) can pick up a magnifying glass and follow clues through the galleries in both exhibition halls. Decode messages, solve riddles, and create a poem to receive a special badge. Check in at the Welcome Desk in the entrance lobby for your decoder kit.
Discovery Trail
Young explorers (recommended ages 3-5) can roam the Shakespeare Exhibition Hall and find images on the walls from the Folger collection that match the ones in their notes. Check in at the Welcome Desk in the entrance lobby for your clue sheet.
Shakespeare Exhibition Hall
Print with Light
Try your hand at setting type as it happened in a 1623 print shop, but without the messiness of ink.
Play with the Plays
Create a Shakespearean conversation, using compliments, insults, and memorable lines from Shakespeare’s plays.
Explore the First Folio
Dig through the contents of some of the First Folios, the book that gave us Shakespeare, from the perspective of a detective, storyteller, or collector.
Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall
Visit the Engagement Table, located in the Into the Vault gallery, to complete hands-on activities based on items on display.
Be inspired by Esther Inglis’s work to create a gift for someone in your life. Fold a book, draw a self-portrait, and put your calligraphy skills to work to create a special gift.
Accessibility
We’re dedicated to providing access to all our visitors, and we hope that the information below will help you plan your visit to our exhibitions:
- Wheelchair-accessible
- Service dogs welcome
For more information, visit our main Accessibility page. If you have an accessibility need that you would like to discuss with our Visitor Services team, please contact us at VisitorServices@folger.edu or (202) 544–7077.
Past exhibitions
Into the Vault: Books of the 1620s
