📜 Independent research library on Capitol Hill, home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works.
🔍 Primarily for scholars, with public access via tours and special events.

Why Go

📚 Study rare Shakespearean materials, including the First Folio and incunables.
🖼️ Admire 18th and 19th-century artwork depicting Shakespearean characters.
👻 Visit Henry Clay Folger's mausoleum.
🧣 Borrow handmade shawls for comfort in the cool reading room.
🏛️ Explore a historic building with unique architecture.

Why Avoid

⚠️ Admission to the reading room is generally reserved for researchers; public access is limited to docent-guided tours or special events.

Tips

📝 Advance registration required for free, hour-long docent-guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays.
🥶 The reading room is kept cool to preserve fragile materials, so dress warmly or borrow a shawl.

Cost

💰 Free for docent-guided tours; some special events and festival activities may have a fee.

Hours

🕒 Docent-guided tours available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons; phone lines open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-6pm.

Getting There

🅿️ Self-parking available.
🚇 Also located near Capitol South and Union Station Metro stops (Blue, Orange, Silver lines).