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Building renovation

The Folger’s 1932 building, designed by architect Paul Cret, is undergoing a major renovation to expand public space, improve accessibility, and enhance the experience for all who come to the Folger.

Aerial view of the West Entry Plaza and gardens, with ramps and stairs leading down to the building entrance

About

Reaching out to a wide range of visitors, the building renovation project is adding new exhibition galleries, an education lab, research spaces, social gathering spots, and more. Visitors will enter a new 12,000-square-foot public pavilion under the Folger’s front lawn through large, welcoming, and fully accessible plazas on both the east- and west-facing sides of the building. The project is made possible by The Wonder of Will Campaign.

During construction

While construction continues, our historic building at 201 East Capitol Street is not accessible to visitors for exhibitions, tours, events, or research. However, Folger performances and programs continue at other venues and online.

What’s on

News and updates

Expanding to Welcome the World
Folger Story

Expanding to Welcome the World

Posted
Author
Esther Ferington
Envisioning the Folger’s Future: Spotlight on Architecture and Design
Folger Story

Envisioning the Folger’s Future: Spotlight on Architecture and Design

Posted
Author
Esther Ferington
Breathing New Life Into Historic Spaces
Folger Story

Breathing New Life Into Historic Spaces

Posted
Author
Esther Ferington

The Wonder of Will:
The Campaign for the Folger Shakespeare Library

The Wonder of Will

The Wonder of Will has raised over $50 million to support the building renovation and the Folger’s many programs. Participate in the way that is most meaningful to you, from funding beautiful new spaces to supporting the programs that bring Shakespeare and his world to life.

Make a gift now

Our campaign leaders and donors

Contact us at 202-675-0303 or wow@folger.edu

New spaces and experiences

Research

The building renovation project will create new study rooms where researchers can consult more easily with curators or conservators. There will also be multipurpose and flexible meeting spaces where researchers can collaborate or participate in seminars. The historic Reading Room will have new, ergonomically designed furniture, as well as improvements to lighting and internet connectivity.

Education

A new Education Laboratory will provide a flexible space for hands-on demonstrations, interactive workshops, and lively discussions for learners of all ages. New exhibition galleries and more deeply engaging programs for students and teachers will enrich and support classroom work with Shakespeare’s texts.

Visitor amenities

  • Full accessibility
  • Elevator access to all public levels
  • Café services in the Great Hall
  • Expanded gift shop
  • Expanded restrooms

Timeline

Track the project’s progress since 2018.

Information for neighbors on Capitol Hill

The Folger is working to minimize the disruption our renovation project will have on the surrounding neighborhood. Traffic patterns around the 201 East Capitol building remain the same. Sign up for email updates

About the architects, designers, and other partners

Learn more about the people we are working with to accomplish this project.