Ford's Theatre

An incredible museum dedicated to the tragic events that transpired in 1865 leading to Lincoln's assignation. As a National Park site, there are lots of park rangers around to help provide information.

Note that tickets are free, but can be reserved online for $3.50 (useful especially in the summertime or busier seasons). Sometimes, the theatre might be closed if there are other performances at the time, but if one attends a performance, pre-show, one can visit the museum.

You thought you knew about the assassination, but you do not...

I ordered tickets minutes before the next tour was starting at 10am; it was nice that there was an available slot last minute. But, do be aware that I came in late November, so this can vary if you visit at a more popular time like June-August. The first part of the tour wasn't too fun, with having to maneuver around a lot of people to read information on the walls. Half of the time, I skipped reading because I felt like I was standing in someone's way. However, for what I did learn, it was valuable and opened my mind beyond the act of the attack on Lincoln and saw how that moment came to be.

For instance, do you really know who John Wilkes Booth is? How was he able to get so close to the President? What was his motivation? All this and more, you can learn from this exhibit.

I was much happier when it was time to sit inside the real theatre the infamous event took place in, and guests were treated to a detailed story about the build-up to the assassination, including what Lincoln did that day- humanizing the former President in a way than most outlets tend to forget. The story is 20-minutes long with no video accompaniment, so without paying attention, you could get bored. Fortunately, you would not be shamed for skipping this portion of the tour or stepping out for any reason. But, I highly suggest to sit through all of it because by the end, I truly felt like I had a better perspective on history.

Afterwards, you're guided across the street to visit the home that Lincoln died in- which was itself a surprise. Did you know he didn't technically die in the theatre? Find out how when you visit this home that illustrates the aftermath of the assassination and how the United States was forever impacted by their loss.

You can choose to skip this part too, but I feel like you'd miss out. There's some great thought-provoking questions that you can carry in your minds afterwards, with my favorite being: Who is your Lincoln? Which president since him has most closely resembled his character & ideals? The options sure were interesting...

Overall, both buildings were clean and respectful to the President, and you get a full view of where he sat on that dreadful day. The crowds were very high for the tour having spare tickets, so a face mask would suffice (and fast reading is helpful). But I learned so much that now when I hear about this historical incident, I can observe it from a new angle, and see what can lead a man to take another one's life, and how we can try to prevent this from happening again.

Ford's Theatre is a must-see historical stop. I highly recommend buying a ticket and hearing Ranger Miller speak. He is so knowledgeable and so entertaining! One of my favorite stops of my whole vacation. We spoke with him after the tour and he was so nice and so passionate about the history.
There is so much to learn at Ford's Theatre and you have to go across the street to the Peterson House!
Such an important part of our history! Loved loved loved it!
Thank you National Parks! We'll done as always!

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. 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.

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 museum. Every American should. It is extremely well curated and draws you into the story of that fateful day. This event changed American history.

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 access to the house opposite where Lincoln actually died.
You will probably need a couple of hours at least to do both museums.

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 night is really surreal. You can get very up close and personal to where it all happened.