Shakespeare's Globe Research & Collections Centre: London's New Literary Landmark

May 12, 2026

South London News Culture Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

South London is poised to welcome a significant new cultural landmark with the upcoming opening of the Shakespeare's Globe Research & Collections Centre in Bankside, Southwark. This ambitious project will house London's first dedicated Shakespeare Library, offering free and accessible resources to local residents and visitors alike. It promises to redefine how the community engages with Shakespearean scholarship and performance-based research.

What you need to know

Venue: Shakespeare's Globe

Location: Bankside, Southwark

Dates / Run: Opening soon (current Library & Archive closes 11 August 2025 for relocation)

Key Creatives: Allies & Morrison (Architects), John Wolfson (Honorary Curator of Rare Books)

The Centre's Vision

The new Research & Collections Centre, known as Project Prospero, represents a major capital development for Shakespeare's Globe. It aims to create a global campus for Shakespeare studies, bringing together academics and the public. The centre will feature a new timber-clad riverside building, incorporating the library and archive, alongside production and administration facilities. Extensive remodelling of the Globe's underground spaces will also create a new public exhibition and rehearsal rooms.

Why it matters locally

This new dedicated Shakespeare Library is designed to be free and accessible to all, fostering unparalleled activities and experiences. It will offer students, researchers, artists, and the general public new ways to engage with Shakespeare and performance research. The initiative builds on the Globe's mission to champion practitioners and provide resources for inclusive performances, aiming to be one of the most accessible theatres globally. It will empower future scholars and deepen understanding of performance.

Planning your visit

The new Research & Collections Centre is currently under construction, with the existing Library & Archive closing on 11 August 2025 to facilitate the move. Once open, the new library will be free to access. For those planning a visit to the Globe, there are excellent local dining options nearby. The Swan at the Globe offers modern British cuisine with stunning views of the River Thames and St Paul's Cathedral. For a quicker bite, Tas Pide, just steps from the theatre, serves Mediterranean-style flatbreads. The Real Greek Bankside is also a great choice for groups, offering a lively atmosphere and mezze platters by the riverside.

Pro-Tip: While the new library will be free, consider arriving early to enjoy a pre-visit meal or drink at the Swan at the Globe. Its riverside location offers breathtaking views, making it a perfect spot to soak in the Bankside atmosphere before immersing yourself in Shakespearean history.

Source Verification

This report is based on official production data and schedule information.

Source Link: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/join-and-support/research-and-collections

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Author

South London News Culture Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

The South London News Culture Desk delivers essential reporting on the artistic and social forces defining life across the South East. From landmark premieres at The Old Vic and Shakespeare’s Globe to the evolving culinary landscapes of Borough and Greenwich Markets, our editorial staff provides rigorous coverage of the region's cultural infrastructure. We go beyond the marquee listings to offer industry analysis and community insights from local institutions like the South London Gallery, Horniman Museum, and the Southbank Centre, ensuring our readers remain connected to the creative economy driving our boroughs.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By championing both emerging grassroots talent and established South London institutions, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an authentic, human-led perspective on the cultural forces shaping our boroughs.