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Timed perfectly with the celebration of Shakespeare’s 460th birthday anniversary on April 23rd and National Poetry Month, the Folger’s Shakespeare Library invites the world to journey through time, blending the rich tapestry of Elizabethan heritage with contemporary relevance.
The Folger’s 1932 building is undergoing an $80.5 million (£64.6 million) renovation to expand public space, improve accessibility and enhance the experience for visitors. The renovation project will add a 12,000-square-foot public pavilion under the Folger’s front lawn with fully accessible entry plazas for all visitors on both the east- and west-facing sides of the building. The landscaped entry plazas will connect with walkable gardens on either side of the building.
Its inaugural permanent exhibition will showcase the library’s 82-copy collection of First Folios, the first published copies of Shakespeare’s works. Produced in 1623, the books represented the first time that roughly half of the Bard’s plays appeared in print; Folger’s collection of copies is the largest in the world. When the Folger reopens on 21 June, it will display its entire collection of folios for the first time in a 20-foot vault. The Great Hall will transform from an exhibition space to a public gathering place. A new Education Laboratory will provide a flexible space for hands-on demonstrations and interactive workshops. Visitor amenities will include café services in the Great Hall and an expanded gift shop.
Grand reopening: 21 June 2024
The grand reopening will be marked by a ceremonial ribbon cutting with distinguished DC officials and members of Congress, heralding a new era for both the Folger Shakespeare Library and the community it serves. Notably, the inauguration of the Folger Café will fill a cultural void in the neighbourhood, providing a space for dialogue and culinary delights.
Key information:
First folios unveiled: For the first time in history, all 82 First Folios will be displayed together, offering visitors an unparalleled glimpse into Shakespeare’s original works.
Exhibition Halls: Spanning 12,000 square feet of new public space, the Folger welcomes guests to explore modern amenities and enhanced accessibility, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.
Elizabethan Time Travel: Immerse yourself in the 21stcentury interpretation of Elizabethan culture, as the Folger Shakespeare Library bridges the past and present, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through time.
Relevance Reinvented:Emphasizing the enduring relevance of Shakespeare, the Library showcases the modern resonance of his works, sparking conversations that transcend centuries.
Celebrating Diversity:The Folger proudly announces a collaboration with acclaimed artist Fred Wilson, whose original work aims to intertwine the legacy of Black artists and performers with Shakespeare’s enduring influence.
“This renovation expresses our faith in the ongoing importance of Shakespeare, the arts, and the humanities to our civic life,” said Folger Director Michael Witmore. “Years in the making, these enhancements to our building and grounds guarantee that generations of DC residents and visitors will engage with our collections and programs in new and profound ways. As we look to the Folger’s next century in Washington, we continue to build community through programs that explore powerful stories as part of an inquiry into history and the human condition.”
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