Building work is now complete for the new Museum of Shakespeare, located on the site of the Curtain Theatre in Shoreditch, east London.
The new museum will offer an interactive experience, and immerse guests in Shakespeare’s London in 1598.
It will also showcase the archaeological remains of the Curtain Theatre – an Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet and Henry V are believed to have been first staged.
The Museum of Shakespeare is the centrepiece of a new mixed-use urban quarter in Shoreditch called The Stage.
Construction work was carried out by Perkins&Will. The design firm has opened up a previously impermeable site with new pedestrian routes, a landscaped public plaza, an amphitheatre, and a pocket park and play area above a restored Victorian railway viaduct.
Sunand Prasad, principal at Perkins&Will, said: “The Stage project is a great example of the intelligent evolution of an urban quarter to create accessible, permeable and attractive space for people’s use and enjoyment.
He added: “The discovered remains of the 16th century Curtain Theatre that was London’s first Shakespearean playhouse, displayed in a new building that itself creates an amphitheatre, brings a magical extra dimension to the making of this new place for the busy neighbourhood.”
Moojan Kalbasi, project director, cultural and civic lead at Perkins&Will, said: “The remains of Shakespeare’s theatre have always been central to our design vision, and over the years, we have carefully crafted the project around the public plaza and the museum.
Bompas & Parr to create experience
“We are extremely proud that the museum building has now reached completion, bringing a perfect conclusion to the scheme. I eagerly await seeing the space fitted out and filled with visitors.”
Now that the building is completed, the interior experience and exhibits will be delivered by creative studio Bompas & Parr, in partnership with Cain International, Museum of London Archaeology and Historic England.
Inside the immersive museum there will be historical displays, and a projected reconstruction of the original theatre above the remains of the stage.
Also, through artificial intelligence (AI), the attraction will bring to life the sights, smells and sounds of London in the 16th century.
Images courtesy of Timothy Soar
