Folger Shakespeare Library: America’s Monument to Shakespeare
A National Treasure—Explore the World’s Largest Shakespeare Collection and an Architectural Jewel on Capitol Hill.
Standing proudly on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, just east of the US Capitol and neighboring the Library of Congress, the Folger Shakespeare Library is widely regarded as the preeminent center for Shakespearean studies outside England. Renowned for its rich archives, distinctive architecture, and indispensable role in American cultural and academic life, the Folger is far more than a repository of rare books—it is a living, breathing homage to literature, history, and civic ideals.
Introduction to the Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger Shakespeare Library is not just a library; it is an institution dedicated to the exploration and celebration of William Shakespeare, the early modern world, and the intersection of literature and American democracy. Since its opening on April 23, 1932, the library has served as a vital resource for researchers, artists, educators, and visitors from across the globe.
- Location: Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, near the US Capitol and Library of Congress
- Collection: Home to the world’s largest Shakespeare collection and rich archives on early modern Europe
- Architecture: A blend of modernized classicism and Tudor-deco styles
- Mission: To make Shakespeare’s works accessible and relevant to all
- Significance: A national landmark symbolizing the enduring value of literature and knowledge
History and Founders
The Vision of Henry and Emily Folger
The library owes its existence to Henry Clay Folger and his wife, Emily Jordan Folger—two passionate bibliophiles whose devotion to Shakespeare was matched only by their belief in the value of sharing this cultural heritage with all Americans. Henry Folger, a Standard Oil executive and alumnus of Amherst College, began collecting Shakespeareana in 1889. Over the course of several decades, the Folgers amassed an unparalleled trove, storing treasures in bank vaults and storage units throughout New York as their home filled to capacity.
- Key milestone: The Folgers purchased a copy of the rare Fourth Folio in 1889, sparking their collection journey.
- Their vision: To preserve and share Shakespeare’s legacy as a gift to the nation and future generations.
Choosing Washington, DC
The couple chose Washington after considering their mission—Henry believed that Shakespeare was a wellspring for American national thought, hope, and faith. Setting their monument in the capital city was a strategic and idealistic gesture, aligning Shakespeare’s wisdom with the country’s democratic ideals.
- Location: 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC
- Proximity: Steps from the Library of Congress and the Capitol, embedding Shakespeare within the heart of American governance.
From Collection to Institution
By the end of World War I, the Folgers had accumulated a vast collection, prompting their decision to create a dedicated library. After acquiring suitable lots—then occupied by townhouses—and clearing legal and financial hurdles, including Congressional authorization and Amherst College’s oversight, construction began in 1930. Henry Folger died later that year, but Emily saw the project to completion, making additional contributions as needed. The library’s dedication in 1932 was celebrated as a national cultural event.
Architecture and Design
Collaboration with Paul Philippe Cret
The Folgers worked closely with French-born architect Paul Philippe Cret, trained in the Beaux-Arts tradition, to realize their vision for the building. The result is a striking marriage of modernized classicism and English Renaissance style, often described as “Tudor-deco.” The white Georgia marble façade, adorned with inscriptions and bas-reliefs from Shakespeare’s plays, contrasts with the warm, wood-paneled English interior.
- Exterior: Monumental, symmetrical, with classical influences and decorative reliefs featuring lines from Shakespeare.
- Interior: Modeled after an English Renaissance hall, featuring dark oak paneling, elaborate ceilings, stained glass, and a sense of quiet reverence.
A National Landmark
The Folger building was recognized as a national historic place in 1969, with its interior also designated in 2018. Critics at the time of opening praised the Great Hall as “one of the finest rooms in the United States,” and the building’s innovative style influenced later Capitol Hill landmarks, including the Supreme Court.
- Washington Post in 1932: Described the building as “a veritable marvel of cooperative genius.”
- Blending tradition and modernity: The goal was deliberate—to honor the past without mere imitation.
Functional and Symbolic Features
Paul Cret’s eloquent design integrates symbolism throughout:
- Shakespearean bas-reliefs and literary inscriptions
- Bronze doors and sculptures referencing the First Folio
- Design intended as both monument and living institution, echoing the Folgers’ vision
The World’s Largest Shakespeare Collection
Scope of the Collection
The Folger Shakespeare Library houses the globe’s preeminent collection of materials related to Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and early modern Europe. Its holdings include:
- 82 copies of Shakespeare’s First Folio (the largest collection worldwide)
- Rare quarto and folio editions of Shakespeare’s works
- Manuscripts, original letters, and correspondence
- Extensive holdings of rare books, maps, art, paintings, and sheet music
- Reference materials chronicling English Renaissance theater and society
- Items pertaining to early modern Europe’s literature, politics, and culture
Other Notable Artifacts
Beyond books and manuscripts, the library preserves remarkable artifacts and works of art, including portraits, stage designs, costumes, and even locks of hair purportedly from Shakespeare’s era. The collection grows continually, ensuring ongoing relevance for research and display.
Public Programs and Academic Initiatives
Educational Programs and Outreach
One of the library’s core missions is to make Shakespeare and the early modern world accessible to all. To this end, the Folger offers a diverse range of educational and public programs:
- Guided tours and gallery exhibitions
- Lectures, readings, and seminars for scholars and enthusiasts
- Workshops and curricula for teachers and students—local, regional, and national in scale
- Annual Shakespeare festivals and performances
- Collaborations with universities and cultural organizations
Theatre and Performance
The library is also an acclaimed performance venue. The Elizabethan Theatre, modeled after a 17th-century English playhouse, hosts:
- Shakespeare plays and other dramatic works
- Concerts, often focusing on early music
- Lectures, talks, and panel discussions involving world-class actors, directors, and scholars
Research and Fellowships
As a leading center of scholarly research, the Folger welcomes academics from around the world for study, collaboration, and discovery. The institution supports:
- International fellowship programs for advanced researchers
- A comprehensive reading room and research library with controlled access for qualified users
- Digital resources and online exhibitions, expanding access beyond the walls of the library
The Folger’s Enduring Legacy
National and Cultural Symbolism
The Folger’s location and prominence in the nation’s capital carry deep symbolic resonance—an assertion that the wisdom and cultural richness of the past, personified by Shakespeare, inform and inspire the American democratic project. The library is, therefore, not just a tribute to an English playwright, but also a testament to the transformative power of literature in shaping civic identity.
Ongoing Development and Modern Relevance
The Folger’s collections and influence have steadily expanded since 1932, encompassing broader aspects of early modern studies and public humanities. In recent years, major renovations and exhibitions, such as the planned display of all 82 First Folios in one space, have affirmed its ongoing leadership and adaptability in a changing world.
Visitor Information
- Address: 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
- Public Hours: Hours vary, so check the official site or call ahead for details.
- Access: Convenient by Metro (Capitol South or Union Station stops) and pedestrian-friendly from Capitol Hill.
- Admission: Public gallery entry is typically free. Ticketed events, theater performances, and special lectures may require reservations or tickets.
- Accessibility: The building provides accessibility features for visitors with disabilities. Visit the official site for more information.
- Photography: Allowed in public areas, with restrictions in some galleries and during performances.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nearest Metro | Capitol South or Union Station |
| Architectural Style | Modernized Classicism / Tudor-deco |
| Main Attraction | World’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s works |
| Performance Venue | Elizabethan Theatre |
| Admission | Free to the public (with exceptions for ticketed events) |
Key Highlights and Noteworthy Facts
- Global Recognition: The Folger is a pilgrimage site for Shakespeare enthusiasts and scholars from every continent.
- Collection Growth: Holdings expand continually via acquisitions and donations.
- Cultural Programming: Dynamic public events and exhibitions bring Shakespeare to new generations.
- Academic Leadership: The Folger is a model for literary research centers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Folger Shakespeare Library open to the public?
Yes, the exhibition halls and public programs are accessible to all. Scholar access to research collections is by appointment and application. Theater performances and some events may require tickets.
What makes the Folger’s collection unique?
The library holds the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s works, including 82 First Folios, plus original manuscripts, rare books, and art from the English Renaissance and beyond.
Who were Henry and Emily Folger?
Henry Clay Folger was an American industrialist and avid Shakespeare collector; his wife, Emily Jordan Folger, was a scholar and collaborator who helped assemble the unparalleled collection and saw the library through to completion after Henry’s death.
Are there guided tours or performances?
Yes. The library offers regular guided tours, changing exhibitions, and a year-round schedule of theater performances and concerts in its Elizabethan-style theater.
How is the library funded and administered?
The Folger was established in trust—administered by Amherst College—and is supported through a combination of endowment income, private philanthropy, and public programming.
Plan Your Visit to an American Masterpiece
To visit the Folger Shakespeare Library is to encounter not only the genius of a single writer, but the living heartbeat of literature in American civic life. Its collections, exhibitions, theater, and serene reading rooms speak to the enduring power of words and the shared human imagination.
- Explore the grand halls echoing with centuries of literary history.
- Immerse yourself in world-class exhibitions and performances.
- Discover educational resources for all ages and backgrounds.
- Be inspired by the enduring legacy of literature at the heart of the nation’s capital.
For updated information on hours, exhibitions, and events, always check the Folger’s official website before your visit.
