The theater where the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was killed. This happened in 1865, when Lincoln was in his VIP box to watch the play. A native of the slaveholding South of the USA and a fanatic of the old order D.W. Booth secretly entered the box and shot the president. Now the theater functions as a museum. The building is included in the register of national historical places of the USA.
Address:
511 10th Street Northwest, Washington
Phone:
+1 202-347-4833
Comment
22.08.23
John
My first time here to Fords theater. The tickets are free and you get to see the presidential booth, the theater, and the Peterson house across the street where President Lincoln passed. It's an amazing exhibit and part of our American history... Read more » There are quite a few stairs involved. Bring your walking shoes. Lots of pictures and informative posters along the way. Please take time to visit this, you'll be glad you did.
19.08.23
Kevin
Abraham Lincoln rates as one of the greatest Presidents in American history. Yet, at the pinnacle of success, at the age if 56, Lincoln was gunned down by John Wilkes Booth. To fully understand this event and its context, you need to visit this museu.. Read more »m. Every American should. It is extremely well curated and draws you into the story of that fateful day. This event changed American history.
18.08.23
Paul
Incredible Museum for such an important moment in the American history.
You can see the location where Lincoln was shot and the Gun. There is an interesting Museum below the Theatre which explains a lot of the context.
The Free ticket then gets you a.. Read more »ccess to the house opposite where Lincoln actually died.
You will probably need a couple of hours at least to do both museums.
16.08.23
Anthony
Ford's theater where President Abraham Lincoln was shot. He died the next morning at the Petersen House, which is right across the street, and also a must visit museum. Seeing where all this happened from the box Lincoln was sitting in that nigh.. Read more »t is really surreal. You can get very up close and personal to where it all happened.
12.06.23
Bill
Very fortunate to have been able to spend time in both the theatre and where Abe died across the street. Museum was primarily story boards which is not a museum to me, sorry. Don’t get me wrong they has many reproduction props and what they cal.. Read more »led the actual gun Booth used and a blood stained pillow from that awful night. Theatre was beautiful and held a historical string on my heart but was obviously restored/rebuilt to modern specs. Such as padded wide seats, modern lighting, etc. i wasnt expecting a play but was very impressed with the one provided. Top notch actors and legitimate emotion during the show. House where Abe died was a bit somber but knowing it was 100% rebuilt hurt the authenticity to me. Again the “aftermath”
Museum was mainly storyboards which in my opinion isn’t a museum. I would expect more artifacts. Worth a visit to pay respects to the President and great man. But not something I would come to again.
20.09.22
SuJin
Ford's Theatre is a beautiful historic site. It is infamous for being the site of the assassination of United States President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. There is a self-guided tour of the Ford's Theatre museum in the basement, and .. Read more »entry into the museum is free with tickets to the show. I am so glad I arrived before the showtime to check it out, a full of history, very educational.
Promptly at 7:30 PM...Showtime! :)
The Trip to Bountiful, a classic American play presented a remarkable journey home. I miss TX! Hook 'em. Every visitor needs a ticket. A limited number of free entry tickets are available at the box office on a first-come basis, but advance reservations are strongly recommended. The Theatre is just the right size that no matter where you sit, you can see the full stage.
As of September 2022, the theatre requires the use of masks in the theatre during the show, but no proof of vaccination is needed to attend.
Public transportation is highly recommended as limited paid street parking is available. The closest metro stop is Gallery Place on the red, green, and yellow lines. Parking garage is next to the theatre or you can find a street parking. Make sure to download ParkMobile app.
14.08.22
Ondřej
Really amazing experience. You have a chance to walk right next to the spot where president Lincoln was assassinated. The theatre looked amazing, even though it was being partially renovated. The museum is also beautifully done.
We were unable to bo.. Read more »ok tickets in advance due to some card payment problems, however we easily got same-day ticket.
Make sure that you choose a day when the Theatre is open and part of the tour.
25.07.22
Kelli
Ford's theater is definitely worth the (short) trip from the national mall. We sat in the seats where the audience would have been on the fateful night that changed American history. A ranger held us in rapt attention as he skilfully wove the st.. Read more »ory of the events leading up to the assassination and the aftermath. There are quite a few key artifacts displayed in the basement, including Booth's revolver. Included in the tour is admission to the Peterson house where Lincoln was carried and the bed where he drew his final breath. For the ultimate experience, I recommend reading the book Manhunt by James L. Swanson before visiting. But it's a great place to go even without the book. Not recommended for children too young to understand the significance of the place. However, the national portrait gallery is a few short blocks away and really fascinating!
24.07.22
John
A phenomenal piece of history! It was a great experience. The park rangers were super knowledgeable and the presentation in the theatre was very impressive. The artifacts on display were incredible including the gun that Booth used to murder Lincol.. Read more »n.
I found it shocking to learn that Booth actually thought that the country would think he was a hero for killing the “tyrant” Lincoln. I also did not know that the plot included killing the Vice President and the Secretary of State.
19.07.22
Robert
This theater is both an active theater and a museum about Abraham Lincoln. There is no charge but free tickets from the box office in the theater are required for entrance as a crowd control mechanism.
The museum is small -it takes about half an hour.. Read more » to go through. After the museum A National Parks Ranger gave a brief, very interesting lecture on Abraham Lincoln.
Ford's Theater is not a well known tourist attraction. Everyone visiting Washington should go if you are at all interested in US History.
17.07.22
Clyde
Fascinating piece of history. You do have to get tickets but they're free and work on donations only. Its about a 20 minute presentation in the theater and then you take a walk across the street to the Peterson house. Highly recommend. Plus ther.. Read more »e's some good restaurants in the area, and within walking distance of the national mall.
04.07.22
Victoria
This is a fantastic museum/theater, and I’m so happy I was able to visit a few days ago!
This is owned by the National Parks Service meaning there is a NPS Passport Stamp here! Yay!
The line was super long but went by fast. The museum downsta.. Read more »irs is neat, and the talk in the theater was super amazing. The staff member was so passionate about her job. She was super interesting and talked about Lincoln.
After we went outside we waited in a long line (be sure to get out the doors fast to get a spot in the front or else you will be waiting in the sun to be let in) to get into another museum/the Patterson House. It wasn’t as filled with a ton information, but the stack of books was really neat.
01.06.22
Cameron
The theatre is run by the park service, so it is well maintained. Pretty standard exhibits, but informative. If you can go to the play, I highly recommend it. It is a vehicle to show the events of Lincoln's assassination in a creative manner. 2.. Read more » performers play different roles in the workings of a play that Lincoln attended. It will be confusing for kids to follow because of the multiple characters each actor switches in between. But this 30 minute show is well worth it.
16.05.22
Stephen
I can say I did this now. It was nice but there were way too many tourists and felt more like a highway side stop than a historic site. The rangers were excellent and the site itself were great- just the Overall effect was not what I was expecting.
I.. Read more »ts not bad just not exciting. Washington DC has more than enough things to see and do that a small miss is not an issue.
06.05.22
Max
This is a must see if you value our American history. The Park Service now owns the theater and the Peterson house ( Where Abe died). Still an active theater. Nice museum in the basement. Beautiful building. Staff was helpful and friendly.
28.04.22
Coach
Historical site. It has aged and been restored well. SAW A GREAT MUSICAL CALLED GRACE! I recommended you reading this review go see it. Had an incredible time.
30.03.22
Betty
I am the Co-Director of a Senior Program called ARTS (Active Retired Talented Seniors) in Prince George's County and wee were at the matinee show today!!! Nolan Williams, I/We/Metropolitan Baptist Church are SO proud of ALL of your Incredible A.. Read more »ccomplishments the Amazement part is the Best Is Yet To Come! We will See you on Broadway because the play is definitely headed there and abroad!!
Thank you Ford's Theater for having GRACE be in your Awesome Theater where the Usher really do take care of you!!!
You MUST See Grace Theater Goer!!! We ALL need a little Grace in our life and this is the project to be reminded that we do!!!
Thank you.
26.03.22
Kelsea
Super fun little museum with a ton of fantastic American artifacts that you can learn a lot from. Very well taken care of theatre that is actually in use. I was with a tour group but it would have been awesome to see a show here!
25.03.22
Andy
Amazing feeling being there and seeing the theater. The tour was not organized well I thought, no group leader. More you just wander and read the captions. Some captions are not lighted well enough to read. We got the audio system, which provided goo.. Read more »d information. The host in the theater was very knowledgeable, but he seemed to answer only from a script he'd memorized, he was not a good listener to our questions. He spoke very fast without inflection.
21.02.22
Alexandra
Great museum describing the history behind the theater as well as its significance in President Lincoln's life and death. The theater hosts performances too. Because it's a smaller, older theater, the setting is more intimate, and I don.. Read more »9;t think there is a bad seat in the audience! A great experience all around.
16.02.22
Erica
A beautiful venue filled with history. The place is gorgeous and you get to see a lot of items of Abraham Lincoln's. Good idea to reserve ahead of the time and don't forget to check out the house across the street where Lincoln actually die.. Read more »d.
16.02.22
Henry
The inside of Ford's Theater has been modernized, but the facade remains pretty much as it was back in the day. We found it a great place to brush up on the history of the war and the presidential life of Abraham Lincoln. There is much more than.. Read more » a theater here, and any school child would be served well to pay a visit and contemplate the history of the times. The museum exhibits are very well kept, and the staff is knowledgeable and pleasant. I'd say it's worth your time and the cost of admission.
29.12.21
Matt
Great little theater in the heart of downtown DC. Very historical with a neat, FREE little museum on Lincoln.
Saw "A Christmas Carol" on their Christmas run and it was very well done.
Staff were nice
Seats were a little narrow
Small theat.. Read more »er so pretty much every seat is a good view
13.12.21
Sharon
The theatre is beautiful, intimate. A Christmas Carol was perfect for my 11 year old granddaughter. Seats in dress circle were perfect, center stage. She was disappointed that no children were in the show-no small Tiny Tim. But it was wonderful. .. Read more » The Museum visit was very special. This and dinner were her Christmas gift from me.
30.11.21
Noureen
The manager helped my family tonight by allowing us change our seats when my kids couldn’t see because the people sitting in front of them were tall. She was making I didn’t get her name she was wearing a red shirt and she have accent. Th.. Read more »ank you you made the night 100 times better and the Christmas carol play was wonderful!!
28.11.21
Jodi
Ford's Theater was spectacular and a moving experience. The history, the beauty mixed with the sadness of the fate of our dear Mr. President Lincoln. The production of Dickens "A Christmas Carol" was well done and a refreshing pres.. Read more »entation. Please visit and consider donating to continue this valuable historical landmark.
20.11.21
Emile
This was H.I.S.T.O.R.Y plain and simple.... from the war to Boothe's background and his associates, to re-telling of the day itself and artist depiction captured on the said night.... the staff here is very friendly and informative, don't b.. Read more »e afraid to ask questions.
14.10.21
Brian
We really enjoyed the self-guided tour! Spent about 45 minutes here, although I'm sure if you read everything in the little museum downstairs and asked questions to the staff, you could easily spend double that. Surreal to see the spot where it .. Read more »Lincoln was assassinated and seeing artifacts (such as the gun) on display as well. Highly recommend!
05.10.21
Karen
The staff are helpful and knowledgeable. The theater is very impressive. The lower level has dim lighting, probably to help preserve the writings and artifacts from Lincoln's life. Well worth a visit if you like history. Clean and well-maintaine.. Read more »d.
25.09.21
Amy
Our family loved this tour. To get the most out of it, make sure to get an audio guide to listen to at different stations in the museum. It was worth the cost. You'll learn a lot about Lincoln and the details surrounding his death.
13.08.21
Stephen
Ford's Theater is a must see for anyone remotely interested in Abraham Lincoln. I give this place 5 stars because it's loaded with history, the staff are friendly and very helpful, plus it's FREE! Well worth the time.
05.08.21
Pauline
A great historic place to see. The rangers are friendly and super knowledgeable about the place. If you are able to talk with them, they will tell you the insights on what really happened such as during the event of the Booth encounter where they h.. Read more »ad to push the doctor to the balcony from the stage to check out the condition of Lincoln because the crowds were startled and won't be able to get to him in time to the upper level.
28.07.21
Amber
The museum and theater were great with lots of info. I would rate it a 5 star, but we were rushed through. Guests are only given one hour for the museum AND theater. That just is not enough time! I could have spend 3 hours or more there. At least the.. Read more » tickets were not expensive.
22.07.21
Jamie
Tour guide was absolutely fantastic! So much great information and well laid out museum. Amazing artifacts. Well worth the time.
18.06.21
mario
Great info and interesting to see. A bit pricey but worth it. museum is great and gift shop was cool. Will bring my son once he’s a little older.
18.06.21
Georgia
Fords is finally open! What an interesting and educational place to see. So much history packed into this theatre! The staff was really helpful and nice. See the actual gun Boothe used to shoot Lincoln. All the facts and mystery is there to see!
11.06.21
Elizabeth
Ford’s Theatre has a very cool small museum. It is well put together but does have a lot of information and can be a bit overwhelming. Plan to spend about 1.5 hours there. Only self guided tours are currently offered.
22.05.21
Galen
How can anyone go and not want to weep? Fantastic park rangers.
22.11.20
Ryan
We have visited Ford’s theatre a few times now and I always find something new to see there. Each of the park rangers give a fun and unique talk in the theater, try and catch that if you can. It is also geared with stuff for kids and adults.
28.10.20
Chelsea
LOVELY! The staff and park rangers are so friendly and informative. This is one of the more lesser known things to do in DC and I highly recommend. They have awesome artifacts and the theater is a great visit. I recommend buying your tickets ahead .. Read more »of time (which are remarkably cheap). Across the street is the Lincoln book tower thats easy to miss.
16.10.20
Neil
For $3, it's a very fair bargain. The museum below the theater has nice exhibits and it's interesting to see the theater. You should know, though, that almost everything (and possibly everything) you see in the theater is a reproduction, ma.. Read more »de well after President Lincoln was shot here. Let's say (and hope) it's a faithful replica.
15.10.20
Jefferson
Great museum and historic site. The staff was very helpful and they took lots of COVID precautions. They only let people in with advanced tickets on the hour and they only let you in 45 min.! That was not enough time to go through I thought. They sho.. Read more »uld let people stream through all day instead of forcing them through super fast in big groups.
21.09.20
Zach
The museum and inside was closed, but still interesting seeing the outside and the house across the street where President Lincoln died.
21.09.20
Kavyun
Had a great time watching "My American Cousin", really great play. During the showing some lady screamed from a booth above me, and I heard a gunshot sound, but didn't see a prop on stage.
Just saying the backstage workers shouldn.. Read more »9;t use sound affects when not appropriate. 3/5 experience.
09.09.20
Frederick
amazing sad it was close
21.08.20
Raymond
Been there twice every time I go to Washington I’ll probably visit
21.08.20
Keegan
Neat museum
20.08.20
Danny
I feel sorry for Abraham Lincoln in Ford's Theatre of 1865.
23.02.20
Gary
Well preserved piece of history. Sad day in time, but such a well explained historical account. Covers history before, during, and after the assassination.
If you have time, do the audio tour. Much, much more information, will narrated.
20.02.20
Our
If you are into history involving Abraham Lincoln, this location has to be on your bucket list. We were not there for a performance; however, we did go for the tour and just loved the information and history that was presented. Be prepared to spe.. Read more »nd some time here as there is a museum in the basement, and you can go across the street to the Petersen House as well. We did a full review on our blog site and YouTube channel.
03.01.20
Greg
Cool historic site! Good museum, not very large, but still a good time. Exhibits walk you through the entirety of Lincoln's presidency including the civil war and his assassination. There were quite a few historic items too. I also got the audio.. Read more » tour which does a good job of explaining each of the stops throughout the museum. Also make sure to stop across the street to finish up the tour and see the house where Lincoln was brought after being shot and ultimately died.
4.7 / 95
