Folger Shakespeare Library / Folger Theatre

District Merchants was absolutely phenomenal. Brilliant cast, beautiful stage, up close seating. And the staff were wonderfully kind and helpful. Absolutely will be back!

Recently attended an amazing poetry event event at the Folger Shakespeare Library/​Folger Theatre. The poetry/​writers organization is Cave Caneman.
The library is located minutes from Capital Hill where the residential neighborhood begins. There is residential parking, however limited to two hours until 8:30 pm. While walking down the hallways, you could feel literature and a sense of historical importance in the air. The theatre is the perfect size. You have a great view from any angle, not too large, very intimate.
The people working there were very polite and helpful. I definitely would love to return and will keep my eye out for additional, literary enriching events.
In this day and time of facebook and every type of social media, I really feel as though I need to read an old, historical book!

«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 400^th 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.

My gf and I went to the library for their Shakespeare exhibit — It was very well put together but just one hall to see, so it was very small. That being said, at the end of the hall is Folger Theatre, and we were very excited to see that they were (still are) showing A Midsummer Nights Dream on select nights for a few months. We decided to buy tickets and returned to the theatre last night.
What an amazing performance — it’s very clear that the performers are professionals and have been doing this for a long time. They were very engaging with the audience and I would highly suggest going to see a show there. They have the «District Merchant» coming up next in their queue and I bet it will be just a great!

It is easy to miss the Folger, but a shame to do so. Located in its own purpose-​built building just behind the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress it may seem like an afterthought, but it is worth a trip for anyone who loves Shakespeare and for many others with a wide range of interests depending upon what they have on exhibition. The Folger opened in 1932 as a gift to the American people from Shakespeare collector Henry Clay Folger (who made his money in oil and died in 1930) and his wife and combines a major research library (the world’s largest devoted to Shakespeare studies, but only open to scholars by appointment), an active Shakespeare theater and museum space with changing exhibitions, although a First Folio (or printing) of Shakespeare’s plays is always on display (which is easy for the Folger to accomplish, since they own more copies of the volume published in 1632 than anyone else!). The single exhibit hall runs the length of the building and its dark wood paneling helps transport the visitor to another time and place; fortunately, there are always friendly volunteer docents available to help. They also have a small gift shop.

A Midsummer Nights Dream, is another amazing production from this theatre with a track record of consistently superb shows. The language is clear, Erin Weaver as Puck is a delightful fairy and Holly Twyford’s Bottom when turned into an ass is hysterically funny. Aaron Posner has added magic and slight of hand to his sharply directed play that is truly delightful. This is a Broadway quality experience.

I explored the Folger Shakespeare Library during my lunch break recently and enjoyed the English lawyers exhibit. It was very interesting to read about the courts of chancery and the Magna Carta and see some original books and manuscripts behind glass cases.
I also got to view the Shakespeare Theater (it was under construction and kind of in shambles at the time of my visit) from up in the balcony, which was interesting.
What I was disappointed about is that the general public does not have access to the Reading Room, which seems to be one of the main attractions. I asked at the front and was told to come back in April (Shakespeare’s birthday) for their Reading Room open house. I was disappointed to not be able to see it. Also, you can’t visit the Founder’s Room without being on a tour. Since I was on my lunch break and I was told the tours take an hour, I couldn’t view the Founder’s Room either.
I still think this place is nice and it’s conveniently located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, but it’s disappointing that so many of the interesting areas are not accessible to the general public. I ended up only being able to view the theater from above and explore the tiny English lawyers exhibit.
I’d visit again, but I wouldn’t have my hopes up and would expect to only see 1 – 2 sections of the building.

It was okay to check our the United States only Elizabeth theater, but it’s quite small. There is one exhibit where you can learn more about law history but that is pretty much it. If you are crunched on time, this is skippable.

A gem of a museum for lovers of Shakespeare and of Elizabethan history. Docents provide wonderfully informative tours of the exhibits and of the lovely building and theatre.
I recently had an excellent tour of the Age of Lawyers exhibit by John Finecore. I would suggest asking for him if you plan to see this excellent exhibit.

Tour guides are excellent and informative; they are passionate and knowledgeable and it showed in their excitement on each of the three tours I did this past Saturday: Elizabethan Garden Tour at 10 am, docent led tour at 11 am, and the Folger Reading Room tour at noon.
My one criticism is really based on my expectation. I had expected to receive a tour and instead for each of the three, we didn’t really go anywhere. The garden tour wasn’t extensive but the docent did talk about interesting details such as the Art Deco grilles on the front doors and the tall windows above the bas-​reliefs and the neoclassical exterior of the Library/​Theater which blends in with its neighbors. All of this can be found and read about online. I did like that the docent pointed out the shape of the boxwood plantings (serpent) and the ivy to keep rats and mice hidden. She also tied in plants and designs inspired by Shakespeare plays.
The docent led tour was filled with facts but again we stuck to a very limited section of the vast building: the foyer and a room that houses the first folio.
On the third tour, I had two docents, one who led the old reading room and one who led the new. It’s pretty spectacular how ornate and detailed the paintings, stained glass, and tapestries are in the old reading room. On this tour, we were only in two rooms, but again, docents were friendly and incredibly detailed in their discussions.
For the Folger Reading room, you do need to make a reservation, although after walking out, I heard one of the docents say that my tour was supposed to have 20 people, and I think 10 – 12 were present. She also hinted there wasn’t anyone signed up for a 3 pm tour.

Not a bad seat in the whole place!

Great venue. Highly recommended.

I came for a RSC screening of Love Labour’s Lost. The theatre is adorable, and I want to come back for a live show!

TOP TIP: There are locally-​made chocolates from a chocolatier available at concessions. They are AMAZING, are different and themed for each performance. Take it from me, an ‘extreme couponer’ — it’s well worth it!
Love the Folger. Great performances; there are other options beyond the theatre and include poetry readings and PEN/​Faulkner talks. I have been to many performances and readings — too many to count.
The exhibit hall inside is small but they pack in a great deal of information and knowledge into the space. I highly recommend.
At Shakespeare’s Birthday celebration (celebrated on a Sunday in April) they offer 50% tickets at the box office. The birthday celebration itself is a joy and well-​suited for various age groups, including kids. Might as well take advantage of the half-​off tickets while being able to select the seats you’d prefer!

I can’t recommend the Folger Shakespeare Library highly enough. Went to see Mary Stuart there, and it was fantastic. You can find discounted tickets online. I’ll definitely be back to see Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. Every seat in the house is fantastic, even the ones that they claim have an obstructed view. There is a reasonably priced mini bar and exhibits set up while you wait for the doors to open. We got to peruse their exhibit about cryptography in the Renaissance, which was fascinating. I highly, highly recommend seeing Mary Stuart– the cast was incredible, the show itself was captivating, it was a perfect combination of the somber story with some humorous flair to it. The theater is stunning, it truly transports you to another place and time.

Beautiful space in an amazing area. High-​quality performances. I’ve seen Henry VIII, Richard III, Julius Caesar, and a one-​man show entitled Cry Havok here and I’ve loved every show. They also put on poetry readings, lectures, and discussions. There’s a great concession area in the hall where you can sip on wine as you study that month’s Shakespeare exhibit. Parking is tough in this area so arrive early!

Saw JULIUS CEASAR at Folger Shakespeare Theater October 31^st, 2014. Tricker treaters were out front and a packed crowd in the theater. Lots of old people, lots of twenty something couples.
Players were great, some emoted more than others which is key to making that version of English understandable.
The woman who played Caphurnia really rocked her speech about Caesar staying home after her dreams. She also has a timeless beauty about her.
The woman who played Portia (Brutus’ wife) was very passionate and gorgeous. Her performance as a ghost took you out the play into the spirit world.
The kat who played Cassius was crazy. He stole almost every scene he was in. He delivered his lines with a beatnik kind of swagger. The classic argument between Cassius and Brutus was great to watch.
The actor who played Brutus was cool. He carried an oligarchical aura that I’m sure the Roman senator rolled with. I think that actor was British.
I came to the play to see Marc Anthony’s speech. I saw youtubes of other actors doing it and wanted to see this guy’s interpretation. He was good, more regal than soldierly in his performance of Anthony.
The play direction made a clever use of space, the stage was small, but the vertical and horizontal was used very well. Costume swaps made sense and lighting as important to the action as the actors inflections.
The staff at Folgers were friendly and helpful. One usher was kind enough not make fun when I thought intermission was the end of the play.
Coolest part of the experience was hearing those phrases like «Cry havok.» and such… enjoyed this company’s spin on them.
All around, was a great experience, would recommend the play and venue. I give the play and the venue, four stars.

A funny thing happens after you have visited DC a number of times with friends and family, the traditional attractions stop being of interest to you and you start checking out the smaller, less know attractions in DC, this is when you find the hidden gems of the city.
The Folger Shakespeare Library is one of those hidden gems. I was in DC with a group and we had scheduled a tour of the Capital Building, as it turns out I had left a leathermen in my backpack so it was either ditch the leathermen or someone had to skip the capital tour. Having done the capital tour a number of times before I opted to skip it. Since our visit was in the middle of February it was of course cold out so I had to find something to do, I checked out my map of the area and immediately saw the Folger Shakespeare Library was nearby and it was a spot I had never been to before.
I made the two block trip over and from the outside the building looks like every other building in DC but on the inside it is absolutely amazing.
The visit was amazing the library has a massive collection of Shakespeare Folie’s. I can’t speak for the theater but the reading room is amazing. Note though getting access to the reading room is not exactly an easy thing to do and don’t show up here expect your going to get into the reading room just cause you want to see it.
I could easily spend an endless amount of time here. If your in DC, are a fan of Shakespear then its worth a visit to this wonderful location.

This small, beautiful theater is an intimate setting for plays. The size — the stage may be the same size as the seating area — means excellent views of performers’ expressions, as well as wonderful acoustics. The look reminded me of an old English theater inside, while a DC government building [read: blocky cement building] outside. Warm, multi-​toned woods and good-​sized comfortable chairs make for an inviting environment.

What a gorgeous building… from the outside it looks like your basic monolithic space… although with really lovely landscaping. But then I entered the lobby of the theater (location of the exhibit we were in search of), all that paneling and carved wood, just gorgeous. Unfortunately, I did go into the theater or the library proper.
Definitely worth a visit, especially for the Shakespeare obsessed.

I want to like the Folger Theater more than I do. I think the space is really nice and intimate and I like their mission, but I’ve just never loved what they do. I’ve probably been to 8 shows at the Folger in my life. I’ll continue to keep going, but it isn’t one of those companies where I just feel like I have to go to everything they put on.
The building, however, is particularly beautiful.

I saw a play… of sorts… at the Folger recently. I took my 7^th graders on a field trip here for their «Bill’s Buddies» program, where four actors host a 2 hour workshop with students to get them interested in Shakespeare, acting, and just feeling comfortable on stage. Corny, yes, but my kids — who are loathe to be without their phones and Hot Cheetos and Nicki Minaj music for more than a second — actually loved it. And for that, I love it!
The space and décor are beautiful. I know most of my students have never been in a professional theatre such as the Folger before. They were literally in awe of the setting.
I hope to come back here for an actual performance, and take it all in without having to play chaperone.

I came here during one of the worst heat waves this summer. Narrow it down.
I loved the bas-​relief depictions of some of the Bard’s plays. They are placed along the exterior of the building nearly at eye level. The theater is stunning, providing for excellent acoustics. As Katie noted, it is similar to the Globe Theater, but DC’s is much more intricate and intimate than London’s hallowed sanctuary of Shakespearean heritage.
The reading room is reminiscent of an old English manor with lofty ceilings. A range of tapestries above the cascading bookshelves completes this image. The library boasts many copies of the First Folio and its importance is made abundantly clear to all those who happen to grace these halls.
I had arrived on the last day of production for The Taming of the Shrew and so I was unfortunately unable to purchase tickets.
My next visit to the Folger Theater will involve better planning.

This gem is often ignored by tourists who glance at it on the way to and from the Capitol — but rarely walk in, sadly. Sort of sandwiched between the main Library of Congress building and the Supreme Court, the FSL — this *supreme* little theatre and manuscript gallery — is a delight. Add to these impressive rooms a creatively landscaped garden (with sculptures depicting Shakespeare plays), a palatial (and exclusive) library, a sweet little gift shop, and you have a perfect mix for Shakespeare lovers. I have seen a play here — set in the Globe Theatre-​esque space and was very impressed. Their lecture series is renowned as well (e.g., June will include «Discovering Hamlet» lectures from British actors and directors). Thank you, Folger (and Carnegie Mellon), for making your vision so brilliantly come to light.
Note: Founded in 1970, the Folger Institute is a center for advanced study and research in the humanities, which is sponsored by the Folger Shakespeare Library and a consortium of 40 universities in the U.S. and abroad.