A new museum dedicated to the life and work of William Shakespeare is set to open in east London next year. The Museum of Shakespeare will be an interactive
experience situated within the archaeological remains of The Curtain Playhouse in Shoreditch. The museum aims to explore the culture of London in the 16th century and delve into the life and inspirations of the famous playwright.
The Curtain Playhouse was a significant cultural and social centre during Shakespeare's lifetime, and it hosted performances of Henry V and Romeo and Juliet. The site was subject to archaeological excavation between 2011 and 2016, revealing its remains, which will be made publicly accessible for the first time in the museum.
The Museum of Shakespeare was designed by creative studio Bompas & Parr in collaboration with Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) and Historic England. It is part of a larger development site, covering 2.3 acres, with 412 apartments, offices, and shops led by Cain International.
Harry Parr, co-founder of the project, expressed his excitement at the museum's opening, saying that it would offer a unique experience for visitors to immerse themselves in Shakespeare's world. He hopes that it will help cement London's reputation as a cultural hub for world-class entertainment.
The Museum of Shakespeare will feature interactive displays and workshops, including a projected reconstruction of the playhouse. The creators hope that visitors will be able to soak up the sights, smells, sounds, and people who inspired Shakespeare.
The museum has been welcomed by scholars, with Dr Callan Davies of the University of Roehampton saying that it would offer a valuable insight into Elizabethan London's longest-lived playhouse. She hopes that the museum will demonstrate how performance worked, why it mattered, and why it still matters today.
Overall, the Museum of Shakespeare promises to be an exciting addition to London's cultural landscape, offering a unique insight into the life and work of one of the world's most celebrated playwrights. The museum's focus on interactivity and immersion promises to make it an engaging and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Photo by copper engraving print, Wikimedia commons.