Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger Shakespeare Library is an independent research library located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Its history is intrinsically linked to that of its founders, Henry Clay Folger and his wife, Emily Jordan Folger, who established the Library in 1932 as a gift to the American people.
A magnet for scholars from around the globe, the Folger is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, as well as magnificent collections of other rare Renaissance books and manuscripts on all disciplines?history and politics, theology and exploration, law and the arts. Included in the collections are over 310,000 books and manuscripts; 250,000 playbills; 27,000 paintings, drawings, engravings, and prints; and musical instruments, costumes, and films.
In addition to its scholarly mission, the Folger serves as a museum devoted to Shakespeare's life and times. Visitors may view changing exhibitions, which feature items from the collections, or take a guided tour of the building. The striking architecture has earned the Folger a listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Rooms are also available for entertaining at the Folger .
A lively center for literary and performing arts, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs, from poetry readings and theatrical productions to early-music concerts and family activities. The Folger is also a renowned center for the revitalization of humanities education through pre-college programs for students and teachers. In the area of advanced scholarship, The Folger Institute provides seminars and colloquia on a wide range of early modern topics.
A magnet for scholars from around the globe, the Folger is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, as well as magnificent collections of other rare Renaissance books and manuscripts on all disciplines?history and politics, theology and exploration, law and the arts. Included in the collections are over 310,000 books and manuscripts; 250,000 playbills; 27,000 paintings, drawings, engravings, and prints; and musical instruments, costumes, and films.
In addition to its scholarly mission, the Folger serves as a museum devoted to Shakespeare's life and times. Visitors may view changing exhibitions, which feature items from the collections, or take a guided tour of the building. The striking architecture has earned the Folger a listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Rooms are also available for entertaining at the Folger .
A lively center for literary and performing arts, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs, from poetry readings and theatrical productions to early-music concerts and family activities. The Folger is also a renowned center for the revitalization of humanities education through pre-college programs for students and teachers. In the area of advanced scholarship, The Folger Institute provides seminars and colloquia on a wide range of early modern topics.
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