Exhibits - Shakespeare: 200 Years in Lexington

Lexington’s cultural connections to the works of Shakespeare provide the focus for the new exhibit, coupling famous Shakespearean performers with historic Lexington venues that drew them here. 

When John Wilkes Booth stepped onto a Lexington stage as Richard III in 1862, his appearance was not as rare an early theatrical event as one might expect.  Lexington had, in fact been hosting Shakespeare’s plays and players since 1810, when John Vos presented his Macbeth at the town’s first theatre, a converted brewery on old Spring Street, where Rupp Arena now stands.  As culture and entertainment, Shakespeare’s plays have been a part of Lexington’s identity for nearly two centuries.

The Lexington History Museum would like to express its thanks to Mr. Kevin Dearinger. This exhibit is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Norwood Cowgill, Jr.