Understand
London's only public Shakespeare library and research centre opens at Shakespeare's Globe
Overview
Shakespeare's Globe has opened a new Research and Collections Centre on its Bankside site, creating London's only dedicated public Shakespeare library and archive. The facility houses over 6,000 books, a rare book collection with 16th- and 17th-century works including a 1632 second folio, production recordings, costumes, and the personal books of Globe founder Sam Wanamaker. Entry is free, though advance appointments are required to consult the restricted collections, while a foyer space features free temporary exhibitions.
Key points
- Shakespeare's Globe has opened a new Research and Collections Centre on its Bankside site, touted as London's only dedicated Shakespeare library and archive open to the public.
- The centre holds more than 6,000 books on Shakespeare, early modern literature and drama, alongside the theatre's own archive of past productions.
- The rare book collection features nearly 500 works from the 16th and 17th centuries, including a 1632 second folio edition of Shakespeare's complete works.
- Visitors must register and book appointments in advance to view the collections, though a foyer space is open for free temporary exhibitions.
- The facility includes the Audre D. Carlin Reading Room, the John Wolfson Rare Book Room, a lecture theatre, and a climate-controlled archive store.
- The centre also displays books belonging to Globe founder Sam Wanamaker containing his handwritten notes, as well as costumes made using historical staging practices.