Illustrated background with velvet woodcut

For All Time: Shakespeare in Print

  • Past Exhibition
Exhibition

Immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare in this exciting celebration marking the 400th anniversary of his First Folio — the first collection of Shakespeare’s plays published in one volume.

Exhibition Information

to
Past Exhibition
Free
Exhibition Galleries

1 Shakespeare Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
+61 2 9273 1414

View opening hours
Reader in the Shakespeare Room

Shakespeare at the Library

Discover the fascinating story behind Shakespeare's First Folio and other stories featuring Shakespeare in the Library.

Colour graphic with a man holding a sword and wearing Shakespearean ruff

Shakespeare Wallah

The Bard on tour in Bengal and beyond.

All the Will in the world

The 1623 volume, Mr William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories & Tragedies, aka the ‘First Folio’, is 400 years old this year. Why is it so special?

Immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare in this exciting celebration marking the 400th anniversary of his First Folio — the first collection of Shakespeare’s plays published in one volume. 

Discover the stories behind Shakespeare’s plays and witness how the works of the most famous English playwright in history have been reimagined across generations.

The display features the Library’s significant Shakespeare collection, including the only copy of the First Folio in Australia and a copy of each of the Second, Third and Fourth folios, all published in the 17th century after Shakespeare’s death. 

See rare illustrations, books, and artefacts that informed and influenced Shakespeare, and discover how and why he continues to inspire creatives and audiences today. 

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Shakespeare or a curious newcomer, this is a must-see exhibition. With interactive displays and multimedia installations, visitors of all ages will enjoy this unforgettable meeting with of one of history’s greatest storytellers. 

Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories & tragedies : published according to the true original copies.

Visit the Shakespeare Room

Discover the hidden library within the Library.  

Our beautiful Shakespeare Room is located on Ground Floor, Mitchell Library Building. 

Open 7 days a week. 

Plan your visit

 

MEET THE CURATORS

Portrait of Maggie Patton

Maggie Patton

Maggie Patton is Head of Collection Acquisition and Curation at the State Library. She is responsible for managing the development of the Library's collections, leading research activities and curation programs that engage readers and visitors with the significant and unique collections. Maggie also undertakes research on the collections for exhibitions and publications and has particular expertise in rare books and maps.
Sarah Morley

Sarah Morley

Sarah Morley is a curator at the State Library. She has worked extensively with the Library’s archival and printed collections. Focussing on manuscripts, rare books and children’s literature, Sarah's work encompasses collection acquisition, access, promotion and interpretation. She has curated numerous exhibitions and displays for the Library, most recently 'Imagine …the Wonder of Picture Books'.
Image of curator Karen Attar

Dr Karen Attar

Karen Attar is Senior Librarian, Rare Books at the State Library. She is on secondment from her role as Curator of Rare Books and University Art at the Senate House Library, University of London, where she was involved in all aspects of rare book librarianship and play a prominent role in exhibitions.

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