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. Built in 1932 and designed by Paul Cret, the original building was principally a research library and repository for works by and about William Shakespeare. The new space is simultaneously deferential and transformational. It 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 façade 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. The new work is simultaneously deferential and transformational. Making the building physically and perceptually accessible to a broader audience was a core design principal throughout. Previously available 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 First Folio. A significant portion of the grounds are in public space and were designed as an extension of Washington, D.C.’s public realm to be a respite and amenity for recreation and contemplation.
Historic building renewal inherently reduces embodied carbon. By incorporating an historic site, over 90% of the existing structure was reused and 93% of demolition and construction waste by weight was diverted from landfill. The design promotes zero waste by encouraging recycling of disposed items and reuse of existing materials. A simple palette of new interior materials was carefully selected to complement the timeless qualities of the original finishes, ensuring durability and limited maintenance. In the primary public areas, self-finishing materials, such as wood, granite, steel, and concrete, were specified and detailed to withstand the wear and tear of daily visitors while providing a sense of warmth and texture.
All new stone was sourced domestically. Where possible, exterior marble paving was salvaged and reinstalled. The new curbs around the entry gardens were fabricated utilizing salvaged stone from elsewhere on site. Flooring in administrative and other back-of-house areas utilized linoleum in lieu of vinyl, as linoleum is composed of natural bio-degradable materials whereas vinyl flooring is synthetic and contains high levels of VOCs. All wood flooring and wall finishes were fabricated with North American FSC hardwoods.
100% equivalent of site stormwater runoff for the property, 56% of the affected public right of way, and 100% equivalent of building footprint stormwater is managed on site, including the footprint of the existing building which was previously released uncontrolled directly into the City’s Combined Sewer System. WaterSense fixtures are used throughout to conserve potable water usage.
Category:Green ArchitectureYear:2025Location: Washington, D.C., USAArchitects:KieranTimberlakeArchitects of Record:Paul Philippe Cret (1932)Landscape Architects:OLINGeneral Contractor:Gilbane, Inc.Client:Folger Shakespeare LibraryPhotographers:Alan Karchmer / OTTO and Sahar Coston-Hardy / Esto
