Folger Shakespeare Library
Folger Shakespeare Library
Folger Shakespeare Library
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The Shakespearean collection at the Folger Library the worlds largest is only open to the more qualified researcher, but theres still plenty to see, like gardens, Renaissance art and an Elizabethan theater.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill
How to get there
- Capitol South • 7 min walk
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4.5
222 reviews
Excellent
132
Very good
67
Average
18
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
Los Angeles, CA8,816 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
Having last visited in The Before Times, I was quick to book a spot for my latest trip.
The new galleries and entrances were superb, easily accessible and navigable. The exhibits were great, very handsome on and interesting. The Great Hall is still the same, as is the reading room (I glimpsed both). Only sorry I didn't catch a performance at the new theater, not in my schedule dates. I saw Merry Wives of Windsor there last. Next time!
The new galleries and entrances were superb, easily accessible and navigable. The exhibits were great, very handsome on and interesting. The Great Hall is still the same, as is the reading room (I glimpsed both). Only sorry I didn't catch a performance at the new theater, not in my schedule dates. I saw Merry Wives of Windsor there last. Next time!
Written 5 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne E
Orlando, FL92 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Building is not open to the public. Right when you walk in you will be turned away. I didn’t see anything online that said it wasn’t open to public so that was disappointing.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PL2016
United States175 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
I guess the special, exclusive tours are very confidential to get into. I just saw the 1st folio of Romeo and Juliet, stuff about the problems of longitude, and a small video about Shakespeare. I had no clue to get to the ACTUAL cool stuff was hard to get into! The old lady at the desk made us feel so inferior because we didn't get into the tour. I LOVE Shakespeare! But I was let down here, and I wasn't expecting that. I guess try to get into a tour if you REALLY want a great experience. NO PHOTOS! I saw a few people get told to put their cameras away, but they still got photos.
Written 10 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herstory_62
Philadelphia, PA487 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
An elegant setting with enlightening & provocative exhibits that expand views of Shakespeare's world & times.
Written 5 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NewOrleansfirstgal
Metairie, LA591 contributions
Jun 2019
You don't have to love Shakespeare to appreciate this museum, but it helps. Although the building is beautiful and the main hall is exceptional architecture the reading room is the thing to go to see. However, there are very few tour times so be sure to check ahead to find out as this is the outstanding portion of the museum. There is also a small theater so check which play is being performed before you go. I had a lovely docent who took me on a brief tour of the rest of the museum as I unfortunately had not check to see what time the reading room tour was done. Cute but limited gift shop if you are a Shakespeare fan.
Written 8 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuanaRubin
Boulder, CO574 contributions
Aug 2018
As an artist, I've been inspired by the Tudor architecture of the Reading Room. As a Shakespeare fan, I've been truly blown away by the collection that has amassed here. One cannot be impressed by the single-mindedness that the Folgers employed to pursue their acquisitions. The exhibit hall had a fascinating collection on view when I visited, and I appreciated that I can spend an afternoon in the building, and then walk to the other end and see a Shakespeare play performed live in the Elizabethan theater! I only found out about this gem recently, but I will be returning on my annual trips to DC. Many thanks to all of those who care for this precious collection and cultural resource.
Written 2 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WillCSBC
Burlington, VT83 contributions
May 2019 • Business
We stopped in and witnessed some high-schoolers learning to die properly when acting in a Shakespeare tragedy. The theater is wonderfully intimate and worth seeing. Nice artifacts and enthusiastic staff. We couldn't resist putting together the giant block puzzle!
Written 22 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex G
Northbrook, IL401 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
Simply put, this is an awesome place to visit if you crave libraries, books, architecture, knowledge. Very significant from any angle: historical, aesthetic, architectural. Churchill's Shakespeare exhibition in Great Hall just adds to the enjoyable experience. Docents lead tours, very expert and knowledgeable. Don't overlook the gorgeous Elizabethan theatre that has year round performances of Shakespeare and other classical works.
Not for everyone of course, only if you are truly interested in those things.
Not for everyone of course, only if you are truly interested in those things.
Written 13 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MimiMcF
Washington DC, DC53 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
1st visit to The Folger. Went to the theatre only, didn't have a chance to see the library (next time). The stage is small and intimate. A bit dark but reminiscent of Shakespeare's so that was fine. We had balcony seats which were quite good.
The staging, costumes, acting, and setting came together to create a deeply enjoyable and memorable evening. The small size of the theatre brings you close to the stage no matter where you sit. Given the small space, the choreography was especially fun and cool - both the war scenes with the men and the dance scenes with the couples. Bravo!
The staging, costumes, acting, and setting came together to create a deeply enjoyable and memorable evening. The small size of the theatre brings you close to the stage no matter where you sit. Given the small space, the choreography was especially fun and cool - both the war scenes with the men and the dance scenes with the couples. Bravo!
Written 27 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
London, UK63 contributions
Jan 2017
Wonderful occasion. A pretty small venue but the acting and interpretation of the play was superb. I've been to the library before and it was very interesting but it's inaccessible for the next week or so.
Written 27 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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