Folger Shakespeare Library

The marble façade sports bas-relief scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. Inside is the world’s largest collection of his works, including the 79-volume First Folio collection. Standard Oil chairman Henry Clay Folger, who fell in love with Shakespeare after hearing Ralph Waldo Emerson lecture on him, endowed the lot. Other items include books, musical instruments, costumes and films, as well as paintings, drawings, playbills and many fascinating manuscripts. Reflecting the collection, exhibitions and events, such as music recitals, focus on the West during the Renaissance and early modern age. There are special events for Shakespeare’s birthday on 21 April.