Becoming Shakespeare

Discover the impact of place on the creative spark of William Shakespeare. Born and raised in Warwickshire, he went on to have a profound influence on world culture and our understanding of the human condition.

Blending historical narratives and immersive storytelling, Becoming Shakespeare will guide you through an engaging, and at times, emotional visitor experience that places Stratford-upon-Avon at the heart of what made William Shakespeare the globally recognised artist he became.

Experience for Yourself

The exhibition unfolds across five carefully curated spaces, each with a story to share. As you explore each gallery you will discover a rich narrative that reflects on themes of birth, sense of place and destiny, with Shakespeare's timeless words woven throughout.

You are encouraged to explore at your own pace and reflect on how we all become who we are.

Welcome

An introduction to the building, Shakespeare's Birthplace, and its transformation from a Tudor-era family home into a place of literary pilgrimage for millions of people.

Setting the Scene

A dynamic audio-visual experience that pairs striking imagery and Shakespeare's own words to illuminate the beginnings of William's spark of creativity, standing in the place where his journey began.

Early Influences

Delve into the experiences that shaped the young William's imagination; from his family and natural surroundings to his formal education and experiences in the wider world. Carefully selected objects from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's collections offer tangible connections to his formative years.

Shakespeare's Spark

Step inside and witness Shakespeare's unparalleled ability to capture the human experience. Stunning visuals are paired with specially selected quotations to challenge perspectives, evoke an emotional connection and help each visitor connect with words that have resonated with audiences over centuries.

Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon

In our final exhibition space we look beyond Shakespeare's Birthplace and discover the part Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwickshire society played in shaping William's worldview and creative development. You're invited to reflect on how your own origin has influenced your identity.

Once you've explored the exhibition head outside and take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful garden. When ready, you can step over the threshold and explore the building that saw the start of our story, Shakespeare's Birthplace.

Becoming Shakespeare is included in both the Shakespeare Story and Shakespeare Birthplace Only tickets. Pre-booking is recommended to secure an entry timeslot.

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Please be aware: Parts of the 'Becoming Shakespeare' exhibition contain content with flashing lights and may not be suitable for those with photosensitive epilepsy. For more information, please contact us on [email protected]