Shakespeare Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has come a long way since 1847, when it acquired Shakespeare’s Birthplace. At first, the Trust operated from inside the house itself. But as its collection of Shakespeare-related books, documents, manuscripts, and other material continued to grow, space quickly became a problem. Over time, the Trust had to spread into several nearby buildings.

By the late 1950s, it was clear that a purpose-built centre was needed. The new building was designed with simplicity and function in mind, with different areas created for different uses. It officially opened in 1964, the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth.

Today, the Shakespeare Centre is the working heart of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. It houses offices, a library, archives, a reading room, study facilities, and exhibition spaces. Below ground are secure, climate-controlled storage rooms where valuable books, documents, and other items from the collection can be carefully preserved.

The Centre is also an important place for Shakespeare research and study, bringing together scholars, staff, and visitors interested in his life and work. And before you leave, you can also stop by the Shakespeare-themed gift shop.