The Foggy Bottom West End Village has booked a private tour of the Folger Shakespeare Library which was re-opened in 2024 after an extensive renovation of both its building and extensive gardens.  The one-hour tour will feature the Library’s many exhibitions including its world-famous collection of First Folios, a replica 17th-century printing press, as well as the Elizabethan Theater with its three-tiered wooden balconies, carved oak columns, and half-timbered facade, which evokes the courtyard of an English Renaissance inn. The Great Hall has been transformed from an exhibition space to a public gathering place, and is home to the new Folger café, Quill & Crumb, which you may wish to visit on your own after the tour.

The Village will plan on two hours at the Library (from 1:30 – 3:30) to allow for an additional hour to revisit areas of interest, tour the gardens, have a snack in Quill & Crumb, or whatever else interests  you.  (This applies only to those who wish to return with the group to St. Paul’s.  All  others are welcome to extend their stay for whatever period of time suits them.)

Admission: The Village will underwrite the cost of the $25 tour tickets. The Village will pay $15 for each ticket leaving $10 for each Villager to pay.

Transportation: The Village will cover the cost of transportation from St. Paul’s to the Library and return to St. Paul’s.  Please select the appropriate option when registering. NOTE:  Transportation from St. Paul’s will depart at 12:30 p.m. and leave the Folger at 3:30 p.m.

Accessibility:  The entire Library as well as the gardens are fully accessible.  In addition, wheelchairs are available on a first come/first served basis at the Library entrance.

If you have questions about the tour, please contact Jackie Lemire at [email protected].

Registration: We will close registration on September 8 by which date the Village will need to purchase admission tickets.

Please leave a comment when you register to indicate if you will riding over with the village or getting to the Folger on your own.