I wasn't familiar with this museum. But I had gone to the Library of Congress, several weeks ago, and the location appeared to be close. I arrived upon this huge marble structure. A Security Officer greets me as I approach the entrance. I enter, I'm immediately drawn into the Great Hall, to The First Chefs Exhibit. After exploring that area, at the adjoining room, I inquired about other areas. A very helpful Security Officer, paired me with a Docent. The Docent gave me a tour of the Founders' Room and Furnishings. The Docent was very detailed in her presentation. She pointed out the most interesting items in the Founders' Room. For example, she relayed the history and details of the portraits, the character's names in the stained glass, the background about the Folio on display. She gave me ample time to photograph. I thoroughly appreciated the tour and assistance. In another area, I was able to see the theater, which was in rehearsal for a play. I was not able to see The Research Room, it required advance reservation for that portion of the tour. Great tour, especially Founders' Room.

Lovely building , especially if you get the VIP tour where you can see original first editions of Shakespeare's finest. The smell of the old books does indeed smell of a rich moehegemy and dang it..I liked it ! Incidentally, we also checked out the Third Rail show : Confection and adored it.

For years, I've walked by Folger Shakespeare Library admiring its impressive Greek style building, but never thinking to go in. This past week, I rectified that and went on a tour of their exhibit. It's very small, but well worth the 30-60 minutes spent. Here's why: 1) The staff are very friendly! Someone will show you around and then you're free to explore as you wish. 2) It's very kid friendly. There are coloring books, an interactive exhibit, kids' books, and even a place to play dress up. Kids will love it! 3) The art is impressive. It's mainly very old art, but there is one beautiful modern art piece of Shakespeare. 4) The Reading Room for the scholars is beautiful. You can't go in or take photos except for Saturdays at noon. Well worth it. 5) There's a theater in the back modeled after The Globe in London and holds regular shows. If you have a spare hour, definitely stop by Folger Shakespeare Library/Theater! It's a hidden gem of DC!

I visited the Painting Shakespeare exhibition and got to view the theatre. There were fun props where you could reenact scenes. Really nice place to stop by. Staff was friendly.

Came to see the new Third Rail show : Confection which gives you intimate acess to the Library's many "off limits" rooms and its a lovely place w lots of isory, many of them early editions of Shakespeare's classics

The exhibition hall is excellent - it’s not big so you can get through it quickly but it’s packed with great content AND there’s stuff for kids to do as well. There’s also a theatre here and if you don’t want to sit down for a while play there’s a TV outside the entrance for casual visitors to get a sense of what’s inside. If you want to see the reading room you need to come on a Saturday at noon.

Didn't see a play, but the building's design (outside and in) is worth it. The exhibit was clear and graphically appealing. The theatre is incredible. Can't wait to return, if not just to see how Ms. Nicole lights up when she talks of her gorgeous and dramatic workspace.

A small and excellent exhibition dedicated to Shakespeare. I do recommend the visit.

Cool building but I wish you could use the reading room for reading... Seems like the perfect place for a rainy afternoon with a book

I was able to get a tour of the reading room recently which was a delight. The Elizabethan architecture was grand and viewing the paintings in the next room was great fun as well. In the public exhibit which can be enjoyed without a reservation, there's a folio on display as well as other printed books from the same time period. There was one particular display featuring books with mistakes that was quite interesting. It's small, but the Folger Shakespeare Library is definitely worth a visit.

A great place to learn more about the Bard and fully experience the concept of "all the world's a stage"