The Folger Shakespeare Library – home to the world's largest Shakespeare collection – reopened last week after four years of renovations. The library is often overshadowed by its neighbor, the Library of Congress, but the changes make it more accessible and immersive than ever.
Logistics:
Location: East Capitol Street SE right behind the Library of Congress.
Cost: Free! The library welcomes walk-ins, however, you can also grab a timed entry pass.
Hours: Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
What’s Changed?
The dramatic $80.5 million project transformed the space from a hidden scholarly dungeon to a light-filled museum with more public access than ever before. They added 12,000 square feet dedicated to the library’s first permanent exhibit, nestled in new galleries tucked underneath the original Great Hall. It also added new gardens, amenities, a café, and a learning lab.
Folger Shakespeare Library’s 82 First Folios on display. (Courtesy of Lloyd Wolf/Folger Shakespeare Library)
What You Can’t Miss:
The star of the show is the 82 First Folios of Shakespeare. The 400-year-old manuscripts are the most sought-after books in the history of publishing. They were previously locked away but are now available to the public for the first time. The rest of the permanent exhibit is also worth checking out. It explores difficult questions of race and Shakespeare, including the use of blackface and how Black theater troupes have reinterpreted Shakespeare.
Grab a Bite:
It’s time for a snack! The library’s café name, The Quill & Crumb, was the result of a wildly popular crowdsource naming competition. They got over 1,750 name submissions. Now, the café serves tea, coffee, baked goods, and light bites. For something more substantial, you have Capitol Hill favorites like Los Caballeros, Sushi Capitol, and Le Bon Cafe right down the street.
