The BP exhibition
Shakespeare
staging the world
19 July – 25 November 2012
Exhibition closed
Supported by BP
Part of the London 2012 Festival
Recommend this exhibition
The British Museum is staging a major exhibition on the world of Shakespeare, in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The exhibition provides a unique insight into the emerging role
of London as a world city, seen through the innovative perspective
of Shakespeare’s plays. It also explores the pivotal role of the
playhouse as a window to the world outside London, and the
playwright’s importance in shaping a new sense of
national identity.
London as it was around 400 years ago is brought to life through contemporary performance and amazing objects drawn from the Museum’s collection and across Europe. Maps, prints, drawings and paintings, arms and armour, coins, medals and other intriguing objects are all examined through the lens of Shakespeare’s plays.
Part of the World Shakespeare Festival which is part of London 2012 Festival.
Image adapted from an engraved portrait of William Shakespeare by Martin Droeshout from the Third Folio of 1663–1664, originally engraved for the First Folio of 1623.
Video playlist
Shakespeare's Restless World
Broadcast on BBC Radio 4
16 April – 11 May 2012
Twenty objects that featured in the exhibition are explored in the BBC Radio 4 series Shakespeare's Restless World. All 20 episodes are available on the BBC iPlayer.