The Royal Shakespeare Company has been awarded a £2.8m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the Grade II* listed Swan Wing, and to open up its archives.
For the first time the company will be able to showcase the best from its archive and give visitors a hands-on opportunity to experience the theatre-making process for themselves in an interactive exhibition.
The RSC will be looking for matching funds to support the project, with the aim of completing the work and opening up the exhibition in time for the anniversary of Shakespeare's death in 2016.
The Swan Wing, the only remaining element of the 1879 Shakespeare Memorial Theatre which burnt down in 1926, will be restored.
The Wing originally housed a library, reading room and picture gallery and it currently includes the façade and entrance, hallway, bar area, staircase, exhibition room and the bridge which links it to the Swan Theatre auditorium.
Gregory Doran, RSC artistic director, said, “We’re delighted that the HLF has chosen to support our Swan Wing project, allowing us to conserve and restore elements of this beautiful Stratford landmark.
“We know that people of all ages relish the chance to discover how we make our productions. Our new exhibition will be of interest to everybody and will include activities for children and families as well as providing resources for students and schools.
“It will be a fun and exciting way to find out how theatre has been made in Shakespeare’s home town over the centuries.”