Making the monumental accessible: the inclusive renovation of the Folger Shakespeare Library
KieranTimberlake
Culture
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Completed
In the most expansive sense of the word, accessibility was the goal that underpins renewal, alteration and additions to the 1932 Paul Cret designed National Historic Landmark. It is the most pervasive driver of contemporary design insertion and change throughout historic interior spaces and exterior landscapes at the Folger. Laws and building codes required physical accessibility throughout the site and interior. However, equally important to fulfillment of the strategic goal of expanding audience, the Folger sought to present itself anew as emotionally accessible, a destination that reaches outward, unearthing itself and beckoning to those who might be intimidated by the monumental historic structure elevated on a terrace above East Capitol Street.
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The Folger is adjacent to the Library of Congress and diagonally opposite the Supreme Court. It straddles the edge of the federal district and it abuts Capitol Hill residential neighborhoods. A significant portion of the grounds are in public space and were designed as an extension of Washington, D.C.’s public realm. Impervious surfaces and a monoculture lawn were replaced with lush gardens that are freely accessible to the public as an amenity, shade, recreation, ample seating opportunities, and public art for all. All previously inaccessible areas were made universally accessible including those otherwise outside of the renovation, and visitor arrival was reconceived as a single experience of welcome and accessibility for all, creating an equitable experience.
The continued use and reuse of existing building stock is an important act of resource conservation and embodied carbon reduction. Materials from the historic structure were salvaged and reused throughout. The addition is mostly below-grade, which helps control heating and cooling loads. Daylight access also supports the programming design, which locates lobbies on the perimeter and the light sensitive galleries in the core. The mechanical system design provides conservation-quality conditions for Folger’s collection of rare materials.
So far, the project has been recognized with an AIA Philadelphia Honor Award, Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Editor’s Pick, Archello Renovation of the Year Jury Winner, and Architecture MasterPrize Best of Best Restoration & renovation, among others.
The renewal and expansion of the Folger Shakespeare Library is the result of more than 10 years of planning to make the institution a more inclusive, experiential, and welcoming place. The original building was principally a research library and repository for works by and about William Shakespeare. The new space honors the past while increasing access for new audiences. The project provided much needed exhibition and visitor amenity spaces, upgraded systems for conservation-appropriate conditions, and completely reimagined the visitor arrival experience to be more welcoming and universally accessible. A 7,000 SF addition with new visitor entrances was inserted beneath the rebuilt existing terrace to not alter the facade or massing of the historic register-listed building. The below-grade addition and extensive renovation required significant structural modifications. The breadth and difficulty of expanding the new program beneath a building on the National Register of Historic Places cannot be understated. Three artists were commissioned to create works for the renovation and addition that reflect Folger’s mission and offer visitors creative entry points through which to consider Shakespeare the early modern world: Anke’s Neumann’s ethereal 15-foot-tall hanging sculpture illuminates a staircase, Fred Wilson’s black Murano glass mirror is in dialogue with a portrait of Elizabeth I, and Rita Dove’s poetry is inscribed in the marble west garden walkway.
"Our reimagined space allows us to bring out the wonders from our archives and provides a blueprint for visitors to engage with Shakespeare in new and interactive ways through the power of performance, the wonder of exhibitions, and the excitement of path-breaking research… all in one building." -Former Folger Director Michael Witmore
/23
The renewal and expansion of the Folger Shakespeare Library is the result of more than 10 years of planning to make the institution a more inclusive, experiential, and welcoming place.
Alan Karchmer/OTTO
Impervious surfaces and a monoculture lawn were replaced with lush gardens that are freely accessible to the public as an amenity, shade, recreation, ample seating opportunities, and public art for all.
Alan Karchmer/OTTO
Although located below grade, the addition offers opportunities for light and views to nature, while acting as transition spaces to the controlled light in the galleries.
Sahar Coston Hardy/Esto
A simple palette of new materials was carefully selected to complement the timeless qualities of the original finishes, ensuring durability and limited maintenance.
Alan Karchmer/OTTO
The generous lobbies, gift shop, gender-neutral bathrooms, and gracious circulation are an invitation to visitors of all ages, mobility, and background.
Alan Karchmer/OTTO
Previously accessible to researchers, with opportunities for exhibitions constrained by space and conditions, the re-imagined building opens the Folger’s one-of-a-kind collection to the public, including the world's largest collection of Shakespeare’s Fir
Alan Karchmer/OTTO
Anke Neumann’s 15-foot-tall hanging sculpture Cloud of Imagination lights the east stair and unifies the historic and contemporary spaces.
Sahar Coston Hardy/Esto
Interventions to better connect previously inaccessible spaces were discreet and in dialogue with the historic interiors. The new east stair portal frame traces a former box office window.
Sahar Coston Hardy/Esto
By creating space for new programming below, historic spaces gain new life through full accessibility and flexible programming.
Sahar Coston Hardy/Esto
Inspired by inscribed words on the Folger’s original facades, quotes from Shakespeare and U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove are engraved into the salvaged marble curbs and concrete walls lining the pathways, drawing visitors through the gardens towards the ent
Sahar Coston Hardy/Esto
Exterior stainless steel detailing and guard rail signage respond to Paul Cret's deco aluminum grilles.
Alan Karchmer/OTTO
The addition beneath the historic terrace at the front of the building is entered through new gardens encircled by sloped walks and a ramp that transport the visitor from the city into a previously hidden world, now revealed, opened, and accessible to all
Alan Karchmer/OTTO
The new work is simultaneously deferential and transformational.
Sahar Coston Hardy/Esto
East-West Section through North Exhibition Hall
KieranTimberlake, Paul Cret drawing courtesy Folger Shakespeare Library
Washington
District of Columbia
Folger Shakespeare Library
10/2023
4173 m2
Confidential
KieranTimberlake
Stephen Kieran, Johann Mordhorst, Paul Worrell, Jordan Teitelbaum
Gilbane
Structural Engineer: Robert Silman Associates; MEP/FP Engineer: Altieri; Civil Engineer: Sorba Engineering; Landscape Architect: OLIN Studio; Exhibit Design: Studio Joseph; Acoustical Design: Shen Milsom Wilke; Graphic Design and Signage: Pentagram; Lighting Design: Tillotson Design Associates; Door Hardware: ECSI; Envelope: SGH; Code: Jensen Hughes; Specifications Writer: Wilson Consulting; Historic Preservation: MTFA; Owner’s Representative: Becker & Frondorf
n/a
Alan Karchmer/OTTO; Sahar Coston-Hardy/Esto
Bio
Founded in 1984, KieranTimberlake unites the expertise and talents of 90 professionals from diverse backgrounds in a practice that is recognized globally. In 2025, after 40 years as a founder and partner-led firm, we transitioned to a 100% employee-owned corporation. Our projects include the programming, planning, and design of new structures as well as the conservation, renovation, and transformation of existing buildings, with special expertise in education, arts and culture, government, civic, and residential projects. We envision a beautiful, resonant, and regenerative built environment. We rely on collective intelligence and nonhierarchical production structures for gains in economy, efficiency, and quality.
