Folger Shakespeare Library
201 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington DC, Washington DC, USA, 20003
Housing the world’s largest Shakespearean collection, the Folger Shakespeare Library is both an acclaimed research center and a hub for arts and culture. Set near the US Capitol Building, the library’s white marble exterior and neoclassical style blend with the surrounding architecture. Inside, discover renaissance art galleries, an Elizabethan theater, and other timepieces reminiscent of Shakespear’s era.
The Basics
Visitors to the Folger Shakespeare Library can join a docent-led tour of the exhibits, gardens, or special collections. By taking a guided tour you can hear behind-the-scenes stories about the museum’s founders—Henry Clay Folger and Emily Jordan Folger—who built the museum as a “gift to the American people.” You can also take a tour of the “reading rooms” where scholars from across the world are studying the museum’s expansive collections.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The library is a must-visit for Shakespeare fans.
- Drop-in tours are available but reservations are required for touring the reading room.
- The general public does not have access to the collections in the reading room—it is reserved for researchers.
- The library and tours are free and wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The best way to reach the Folger Shakespeare Library is by bus or Metrorail. The closest metro station is the Capitol South stop (Orange, Blue, and Silver lines). Metrobus routes 32, 34, 36, 96, and 97 all stop close to the library.
When to Get There
The library is open daily and walk-in tours are offered Monday–Saturday at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, plus on Sunday at 12pm and 3pm. To attend a concert, play, family activity, or lecture, check the library’s website for details.
What to See on Capitol Hill
The Folger Shakespeare Library is one of the many attractions that draw visitors to Washington DC’s Capitol Hill. While in the area, visitors should not miss the chance to tour the US Capitol Building, stand on the steps of the Supreme Court, explore the Library of Congress, and enjoy the US Botanic Garden.
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