Afternoon Tea
Join us for Afternoon Tea in the beautiful and historic setting of the Folger Shakespeare Library. Sample a generous assortment of savory bites and sweet treats, paired with a selection of Harney & Sons Fine Tea. The menu features refined takes on classic tea fare, including finger sandwiches, pastries, and baked goods, artfully arranged on tiered platters.
Reservation details
Afternoon Tea at the Folger takes place on select Saturdays and Sundays, with three seatings per day in the Founders’ Room.
- Tickets are $110 per person and $50 for ages 8-13. All prices include gratuity.
- Reservations no longer need to include a minimum of two people. However, single ticket buyers should expect to be seated with another party.
- Tables can seat up to 4 people, so please note that groups of more than 4 will be seated at separate, adjacent tables.
Get notified
Afternoon Tea events sell out quickly. Sign up to receive an email when reservations open for future seatings.
Sample menu
The menu at Afternoon Tea changes seasonally. The sample menu below is representative of what guests enjoy at tea. When reserving seats, please indicate settings for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free. Items may be altered or substituted to accommodate dietary allergies. Please notify the Ticket Office at folgerboxoffice@folger.edu about any dietary restrictions no fewer than 7 days before attendance.
Harney & Sons Tea (loose leaf)
Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Chamomile, Orange Pekoe, Green, Decaf Ceylon
Honey, lemon, half & half
Scones
Apple cinnamon
Cheddar & chive
Cranberry orange
Lemon curd, seasonal jam, Devon cream
Tea Sandwiches and Bites
Butternut squash tea sandwich
Rosemary Iberico ham sandwich with pesto aioli, arugula
Maryland crab roll with granny smith & ginger slaw
Cucumber cup with avocado, feta, crispy Kalamata olive, dill
Sweets
Blood orange meringue eclair
Chocolate raspberry madeleine
Carrot financier
Cranberry bliss bars
Enhancements for purchase
Seasonal mini quiche
Wine menu
Sparkling water
Locations for Afternoon Tea
About the Founders’ Room
Most Afternoon Tea events take place in the Founders’ Room. Emily Jordan Folger, who founded the Folger Shakespeare Library with her husband, Henry, would serve tea to her guests in the Founders’ Room, originally designed as a reception suite for the couple to give them a private space when they visited the library. The room’s beautiful stained glass windows, by Philadelphia designer Nicola D’Ascenzo, depict famous characters from Shakespeare’s plays.
About the Reading Room
Additional Afternoon Tea events may be scheduled in the Reading Room for special occasions. For many visitors to the Folger, the Reading Room is a must-see, with its beautiful stained-glass windows, enormous chandeliers, carved oak paneling, and high trussed roof. During weekdays, the Reading Room is a quiet space for researchers to work with Folger collection materials. At the west end of the Reading Room is one of the Folger’s treasures, a large stained-glass window designed by Nicola d’Ascenzo that depicts the famous Seven Ages of Man from Jaques’s speech in As You Like It.
