"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." If you're a fan of the Bard, the Folger Shakespeare Library and Theatre is the place to be. I studied Shakespeare in both high school and college, and I've always enjoyed reading his plays. So of course when Shakespeare's 400th birthday rolled around on Saturday and I heard that Folger was having a birthday celebration for him on Sunday, I knew I had to partake. The Folger Shakespeare Library/Theatre is home to the world's largest Shakespeare collection and home to other major collections of Renaissance books, manuscripts, and artwork. Not only is Folger a dwelling for the preservation of rare books and manuscripts and a theatre for plays and readings, it is also a dedicated research library for advanced scholarly programs. There are about 160,000 printed books; 60,000 manuscripts; 90,000 prints, drawings, photographs, paintings, and other works of art housed in this building. Very extensive and world-renowned. It is a gorgeous building both inside and out. Located just a block from the Capitol, the white marble neoclassical exterior is in perfect sync with the other nearby buildings. The gorgeous interior design evokes Tudor England, with oak paneling, ornate floor tiles, and high baroque ceilings. My favorite rooms were the theatre and the Reading Room. The cozy theatre has three-tiered balconies, carved oak columns, and a canopy that resembles the sky. The perfect place for Folger Theatre productions, readings, concerts, and student performances. My absolute favorite, though, has to be the Gail Kern Paster Reading Room. When you walk in, you can't help but let out an audible gasp or "wow." The room, with its carved oak paneling and high ceilings, features tapestries, portraits, chandeliers, and Nicola d’Ascenzo’s famous, beautiful stained glass window of the “Seven Ages of Man." There's also a bust of Shakespeare based on the one that's at his grave in Stratford-upon-Avon. A couple of long tables sit in this room where scholars from around the world come and use Folger's collection. The Reading Room is limited to scholars and researchers, and it is only open to the public for Saturday tours and for their annual Shakespeare's Birthday Open House in April. During Shakespeare's Birthday Open House, Folger arranges a day of activities for families. You can see the Reduced Shakespeare Company perform, tour the Reading Room, hear musical performances, perform a soliloquy on stage, check out swordfighting demos, and lots more. You can tour the building and the grounds any day of the week. They offer free, docent-led tours Mondays to Saturdays at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. On Sundays, they offer tours at 12pm and 3pm.

This is probably going to be the most random review I've ever written but I want to share this story. I visited 8 years ago when I was 19. I was on a trip with my family and I was dying to go here. My dad walked the very long walk with me to the library. This was before everyone had smart phones so we used a paper map to find our way there. We got there at 4:58, no idea that it closed at 5. I remember feeling so crushed when we were told by a staff member they were closing and I think she could tell because she gave me and my dad a quick tour of the place. I don't remember your name, I dont know if you still work there even or if you'd remember me, I don't know if you'll ever even see this but I want you to know that 8 year later I still remember your kindness. I still remember you giving us a tour of the place when you didn't have to. I remember that part of my trip more vividly than any other because I was just a 19 year old girl who had been obsessed with Shakespeare since she was 12 and the only thing I really wanted to do on my trip was see this library. And because of you I did and I will never forget that.

I wasn't familiar with this museum. But I had gone to the Library of Congress, several weeks ago, and the location appeared to be close. I arrived upon this huge marble structure. A Security Officer greets me as I approach the entrance. I enter, I'm immediately drawn into the Great Hall, to The First Chefs Exhibit. After exploring that area, at the adjoining room, I inquired about other areas. A very helpful Security Officer, paired me with a Docent. The Docent gave me a tour of the Founders' Room and Furnishings. The Docent was very detailed in her presentation. She pointed out the most interesting items in the Founders' Room. For example, she relayed the history and details of the portraits, the character's names in the stained glass, the background about the Folio on display. She gave me ample time to photograph. I thoroughly appreciated the tour and assistance. In another area, I was able to see the theater, which was in rehearsal for a play. I was not able to see The Research Room, it required advance reservation for that portion of the tour. Great tour, especially Founders' Room.

For years, I've walked by Folger Shakespeare Library admiring its impressive Greek style building, but never thinking to go in. This past week, I rectified that and went on a tour of their exhibit. It's very small, but well worth the 30-60 minutes spent. Here's why: 1) The staff are very friendly! Someone will show you around and then you're free to explore as you wish. 2) It's very kid friendly. There are coloring books, an interactive exhibit, kids' books, and even a place to play dress up. Kids will love it! 3) The art is impressive. It's mainly very old art, but there is one beautiful modern art piece of Shakespeare. 4) The Reading Room for the scholars is beautiful. You can't go in or take photos except for Saturdays at noon. Well worth it. 5) There's a theater in the back modeled after The Globe in London and holds regular shows. If you have a spare hour, definitely stop by Folger Shakespeare Library/Theater! It's a hidden gem of DC!

I was able to get a tour of the reading room recently which was a delight. The Elizabethan architecture was grand and viewing the paintings in the next room was great fun as well. In the public exhibit which can be enjoyed without a reservation, there's a folio on display as well as other printed books from the same time period. There was one particular display featuring books with mistakes that was quite interesting. It's small, but the Folger Shakespeare Library is definitely worth a visit.

I had a chance to visit this library. Most of the collection is viewed by arrangement prior to visiting. For legitimate research purposes, volumes are available for personal viewing. A visit to the ‘mini-Globe stage’ enabled us to sit in as initial rehearsals for one of the Henry plays ( I forget which one) were underway. Views of the main library showed how sponge rubber or foam wedges kept researches from damaging binding during viewing. I can’t wait to get back to inspect this collection

Shakespeare's Birthday Party is our annual tradition. We come to enjoy fun, family activities, learn more about the Bard and have some cake. I especially appreciate the effort in making Will not boring to the younger audience through their month family programs and on-stage skits, activities. I do wish that Battle of the Bards makes a come-back. My kid was very disappointed that it was not part of the program this year.

"Partial View" is an understatement. Expect a 3-foot-wide wooden column sitting a foot in front of your face. I felt cheated and was surprised the organization would even sell such seats. Whoever wrote the program notes and synopsis of Henry IV has no grasp of the public, or of accessible/coherent writing in general. I don't doubt the value of the library, but this was not a good first experience; probably my last.

Driveway is blocked by improperly parked cars. Security ( Alpha S. ) is rude and unprofessional. I had to drop off one of their gests who had a hard time walking. He asked me to drive him as close as possible to the entrance. Because of the blocked driveway, I couldn't do so. Asked their security to help me with this situation but received a rude feedback. Welcome to the Flger Shakespeare library ! Never again!

I had the best time there I have to play dress up and takes pictures total and bass my kids but it was worth it what side of the building is absolutely gorgeous the toys start at 11 but one and I believe again at 3 so next time I go I'll definitely take a shower because you're kind of limited to what you can see walking around by yourself

Such a lesser known gem in the city! We stopped in today, and had no idea it was in the city. The exhibit in the bookmaking process was very interesting and informative, and the docents are polite and eager to answer questions. We didnt have enough time to do the full library tour today, but will definitely be back for it!

I'm not terribly familiar with their collection, but I do go to the Folger Theatre on a regular basis for their spectacular performances of Shakespeare plays. Always top-notch acting and set design for a generally reasonable price (especially if you are a subscriber). I highly recommend checking it out.

Lovely building , especially if you get the VIP tour where you can see original first editions of Shakespeare's finest. The smell of the old books does indeed smell of a rich moehegemy and dang it..I liked it ! Incidentally, we also checked out the Third Rail show : Confection and adored it.

世界最大規模の作家シェイクスピアの著作と作家を研究した文献を収集した専門図書館。近接の図書館が、世界最大規模の米国議会図書館Library of Congress.である。 この図書館の特徴は、建屋内部に作家の生前時に利用された劇場規模での舞台が復元されていることであろう。現在も計画的に上演されており、好評である。 また、建物の東側には当時の英国式庭園も復元されている。これも楽しめる要素である。 住宅街以外には、近隣の建物は連邦議会議事堂と連邦最高裁判所である。裁判所の北側には、上院議員会館が立ち並ぶ。 議会議事堂や米国議会図書館を観光でお訪ねの折には、お立ち寄りを。

Didn't see a play, but the building's design (outside and in) is worth it. The exhibit was clear and graphically appealing. The theatre is incredible. Can't wait to return, if not just to see how Ms. Nicole lights up when she talks of her gorgeous and dramatic workspace.

I am by no means a fan of Shakespeare, but I decided to stop by and have a look during my recent trip to DC. The interior design with dark wood paneling is amazingly beautiful! The theater is designed to give the feel of watching a play at Shakespeare's Globe.

Came to see the new Third Rail show : Confection which gives you intimate acess to the Library's many "off limits" rooms and its a lovely place w lots of isory, many of them early editions of Shakespeare's classics

What an unexpected treat. Tour was so informative and engaging. Both my 12 and 20 year old were captivated learning how Shakespeare has impacted the English language and theater. A real gem.

I see everything on the Folger’s schedule—unfailingly compelling productions in charming environs. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, including the “partial view” seating in the balcony.

I visited the Painting Shakespeare exhibition and got to view the theatre. There were fun props where you could reenact scenes. Really nice place to stop by. Staff was friendly.

For a non-profit they have a strange way of ignoring people who offer to volunteer! I guess they're 'snooty'... shame because they have a lot to offer :-(

Awful! Give you seats from which you hardly see the stage. I had to leave before the show, and no one offered to give me my money back.

Amazing place that Every Shakespeare fan must see! The experience wouldn't be completed without the tour with Ian, thank you so much!

Cool building but I wish you could use the reading room for reading... Seems like the perfect place for a rainy afternoon with a book

Good library and nice, albay small, exhibition. Watch a play as the room is small and you are close the the stage.

A great place to learn more about the Bard and fully experience the concept of "all the world's a stage"

Excellent exhibits! We really enjoyed the play. The historical information from Shakespeare's Era!

Definitely worth a visit, even if you are not a huge Shakespeare fan. Lots to see and learn.

Looks nice, but watch out, across the street is a courthouse with a known criminal :)

A small and excellent exhibition dedicated to Shakespeare. I do recommend the visit.

Polite and informative staff. Cool place to learn a little about Shakespeare.

Magnificent. It's one of the most important libraries in the world.

Cervantes or Shakespeare.... endless and amazing discussion

If you like Shakespeare then you need to stop here.

Teater yang mengagumkan, anda harus mampir kesini

largest collection of first folio in the world

only this is the best library in the world.

A must see when you are in DC. Just amazing

First time here. Great intimate venue.

The tour was nice and informational

A good library for literature work.

Not open to the public

Closed for renovation

Best library in DC

Amazing library!

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A must see!!

Very good

good