Folger Shakespeare Library Celebrates the Bard’s 451st Birthday in Grand Style (photos)

The Folger Shakespeare Library celebrated William Shakespeare’s 451st birthday with its traditional open house on Sunday, April 19, with a full day of Shakespeare-related activities for one and old alike — stage combat demonstrations, juggling jesters, and Elizabethan crafts. Visitors were invited to recite their favorite Shakespeare lines from the Folger Stage and try on their favorite Elizabethan costumes. The day ended with the cutting of the cake by none other than Queen Elizabeth I, and the singing of “Happy Birthday Will Shakespeare”.

The Folger Shakespeare Library is located on Capitol Hill at 201 E Capitol St. SE in Washington D.C. and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

View our photos from the event by clicking on the photo icons below. (All photos by Jeff Malet)