Coming soon to London, a new visitor experience will transport locals and tourists back to the 16th century at the site of The Curtain Playhouse, a historic playhouse active from 1577 into the mid-17th century.
This open-air theater once accommodated up to 1,000 people. Archaeological excavations have revealed the playhouse’s footprint and features, confirming its role as a venue where the Lord Chamberlain’s Men—Shakespeare’s acting company—performed works such as Romeo and Juliet and Henry V, alongside plays by Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson. Historical evidence even suggests that Shakespeare himself performed here.
© Museum of London Archaeology
The new attraction will invite visitors to follow in the footsteps of the playwright through immersive and interactive displays that recreate the sights, sounds and smells of Elizabethan London. Developed as The Museum of Shakespeare by Bompas & Parr in collaboration with Cain International, Museum of London Archaeology and Historic England, the museum will be located approximately three meters underground, enhancing the sense of discovery and connection to the original site.
The museum is scheduled to open in 2025.
In addition to the museum, a development called The Stage will rise around the historic footprint. The Stage will combine retail spaces, restaurants, a cocktail pub and residential apartments. Among the dining options planned for the complex is Middle Eastern steak restaurant Black Cow.
© Bompas and Parr
The museum and The Stage are located in Shoreditch in east London, an area known for its creative scene and dining options. Nearby luxury accommodations include Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch and Virgin Hotels London–Shoreditch, making the site accessible for visitors combining culture with an urban stay.