1-3 HoursFee applies
Explore Ford's Theater
Ford's Theatre National Historic Site
On the night of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot in Ford's Theatre by John Wilkes Booth. He died in the early hours of April 15, in the small back bedroom of a boarding house across the street. Lincoln, who had struggled through the Civil War to preserve the union, lived long enough to see it maintained but not long enough to help in healing the wounds left by the war. The Theatre where Lincoln was shot and the house where he died, are preserved today.
On the night of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot in Ford's Theatre by John Wilkes Booth. He died in the early hours of April 15, in the small back bedroom of a boarding house across the street. Lincoln, who had struggled through the Civil War to preserve the union, lived long enough to see it maintained but not long enough to help in healing the wounds left by the war. The Theatre where Lincoln was shot and the house where he died, are preserved today. Highlights of a historic site visit may include the Ford's Theatre Museum, with exhibits on the Lincoln presidency, the Civil War, and the assassination, the theatre itself with its interior recreating its appearance in April of 1865, the Petersen House, and the Aftermath exhibits explaining the hunt for the assassin, Lincoln's funeral, and Lincoln's legacy through the ages. Not all tickets visit all parts of the site, and availability may vary due to the theatre's production schedule. See our partner site at www.fords.org for more information on tickets and availability.
Tags
TheaterAssassinationsMurdersLincolnAbraham LincolnFOTHMetro Accessible
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Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
Fees
Admission to Ford's Theatre is free. For more information on tickets to tour the site or for prices of upcoming performances and events please go to our partner's site.
Fees Apply
Yes
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Night
Accessibility
Ford’s Theatre strives to make art and history accessible to people with disabilities by removing barriers and providing opportunities. Ford’s Theatre offers an elevator from the lower-level museum to the lobby and balcony levels. The Center for Education and Leadership also has an elevator to exhibit levels and to the back porch of the Petersen House. Accessible seating is offered in both the rear orchestra and the balcony sections of the theatre. Ford's Theatre offers audio-described and captioned performances. Ford’s Theatre also offers sign-language interpretation upon request for Ranger tours, walking tours, One Destiny and one-night only events. Requests for sign-language interpreters must be received at least two weeks prior to the event. For more information, please call our box office at 202-347-4833 or email
Pets
No — Service animals are allowed in all NPS facilities and on all trails unless an area has been closed by the superintendent to protect park resources.
Reservations
No — Tickets Admission to Ford's Theatre is free. Visitors 2 years of age and older wishing to tour the site must present a timed entry ticket. Same day tickets will be available at the Box Office beginning at 8:30 a.m. There is a limit of six tickets per person for the same day tickets. Timed Entry Tour Tickets Tickets for timed entry to visit Ford's Theatre may be reserved Online or by calling 1-888-616-0270. For information on timed entry tickets and the schedule of programming, click here Timed Entry Tour Tickets for D.C.-Metro Area Schools Schools in the D.C.-metro area that would like to schedule a visit should email education@fords.org or call (202) 638-2941 ext. 567. Groups For information on group reservations for performances or timed entry visits, please contact the Group Sales office by email at groups@fords.org or by phone at (202) 638-2367. The Group Sales office is open Monday - Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location
Ford's Theatre