Folger Shakespeare Library Review: Is the Renovated Exhibition Worth a Visit? #folger

14 Jul 2026 · 1 min

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In this single‑presenter video, the creator gives a concise tour and review of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., freshly reopened after an $80 million renovation. The narrator highlights the library’s claim to the world’s largest Shakespearean collection, emphasizing the 82 copies of the 1623 First Folio—more than any other institution. The walkthrough covers exhibits on historic actors (Ira Aldridge, Charlotte Cushman), interactive printing‑press displays, a newly curated room containing 14 surviving Shakespeare‑related paintings, and the modern reading room with a replica bust of Shakespeare. Practical visitor information is provided: free admission with a suggested $15 donation, an on‑site café (Ophelia’s Bloom Latte), and tips for securing performance tickets (including 50 % rush tickets). The overall tone is enthusiastic and conversational, positioning the Folger as a hidden gem for literary fans compared to other D.C. museums.

Chapters

The largest Shakespearean collection on Earth isn't in London. It's not in Stratford-upon-Avon. It's here, across the street from the Library of Congress in D.C. This is the Folger Shakespeare Library. Reopened after an over $80 million renovation, you can now view 82 copies of the First Folio, the 1623 book that saved 18 of his plays from disappearing forever. That's more copies than anywhere else in the world, including the UK. Learn about prominent Shakespearean actors such as Ira Aldridge and Charlotte Cushman. Check out the interactive exhibits showcasing the printing press and some of Shakespeare's most famous lines. Discover how they're keeping it all preserved for future generations and see the room that now houses 14 surviving paintings from a Shakespearean gallery that's been split apart since 1805. Then head upstairs to grab an Ophelia's Bloom Latte at the Quill and Crumb before peeking in at the reading room. Don't forget to spot the bust of the Bard, which is a replica of the one above his grave in Stratford. If you've lucked into visiting during performance, make sure to book tickets or grab some rush tickets last minute at 50% off. It's free to visit, but there is a suggested donation of $15. Anyone who's a literary fan will adore a visit, and it's quite the hidden gem and in comparison to the nearby museums in Washington, D.C.