When it comes to the concept of ‘standing the test of time’, no one quite does it like William Shakespeare himself. It’s just a shame that there’s no museum in London with a grandiose name (something in the vein of ‘The Museum Of Shakespeare’, perhaps) to honour the bard. Not yet, that is…
That’s being prepared right now, actually – on the 450-year-old ruins of The Curtain Playhouseno less. All’s Well That Ends WellI suppose.
The ‘Museum Of Shakespeare’ is set to arrive in Shoreditch on an indeterminate date in 2025. It was originally scheduled for April 2024but sadly the date has been pushed back. The museum promises to teleport guests into the 16th century for a day in the life of William Shakespeare. By shuffling through the archaeological remains of this historic theatre and sifting through the interactive experiences on offer, visitors are certain to leave with the words of the famous playwright coursing through their minds.
The Museum Of Shakespeare
Visitors to the new Museum Of Shakespeare will be able to walk on the very stage where productions of plays, including Henry V (which was believed to have debuted at TCP), were performed. Projections behind the stage through AI will even be able to put guests into the plays of the man himself.
Original objects from the Elizabethan era will be displayed, and a healthy measure of multisensory experiences will be readily available to have you feeling merrier than the titular wives of Winsor.
Just as it was featured in Shakespeare plays, such as Hamletfencing matches between museumgoers will be offered as part of the experience — though you hopefully won’t be putting your name forward with a motive to avenge any relatives.
Sitting three metres underground, visitors will be whisked to the year 1598 to hear a recount of William Shakespeare’s life using ‘innovative technology and archaeological discoveries’, promising a journey of sights, smells, sounds and people that led to the creation of his plays. Guests can even take to the stage themselves to show off their inner bard and knack for a story.
The Curtain Playhouse
Built on the foundations of the The Curtain Playhousethe Elizabethan theatre opened its doors all the way back in 1577, The Museum of Shakespeare shows his Shoredtich hub for the first time.
It put a host of Shakespeare plays, including Romeo And Julietbefore its closure in 1624 – the remains were discovered after an excavation between 2011-2016, and from next year, the site will take on a new lease of life.
The Curtain Playhouse is one of two scheduled ancient monuments in the borough of Hackney, with literature buffs set to be given a telescopic view into the creative process and inspirations of time’s most famous playwright. Remains of the playhouse are being revealed to the public for the first time since their discovery,
Bompas & Parr are delivering this experience to London early next year, as part of Cain International’s development of The Stage.
More information and tickets to the Museum of Shakespearewhich is due to open in 2025are set to follow in due course. Keep up to date on the Bompas & Parr’s website.
