Ford's Theatre Tours and Tickets

Yes, you need a ticket for Ford’s Theatre. There are limited free tickets for same-day visits, available from the box office on a first come first served basis from 8:30am daily. Many people prefer prebooking tickets online—even though there’s a small charge—to guarantee access on their preferred day. Many Washington DC tours include theater entry.

Yes. As the site of US President Abraham Lincoln’s 1865 assassination, Ford’s Theatre is worth visiting. Most tickets include an auditorium visit and history talk, plus entry to the museum that exhibits Lincoln artifacts, an Aftermath Exhibits gallery, and the nearby Petersen House, where the wounded Lincoln died.

Factor in two hours or more if your ticket includes entry to all four attractions at Ford’s Theatre—that’s enough time for a theater visit, which includes a history talk, plus time at the museum, the Aftermath Exhibits, and the Petersen House across the street. History buffs might need nearer three hours.

Ford’s Theatre is where Abraham Lincoln, the US’ 16th president, was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. It’s consequently a hugely important National Historic Site where you can see the box where Lincoln was shot, plus artifacts linked to the momentous event, including Booth’s gun and Lincoln’s bloodstained coat.

There’s no dress code for Ford’s Theatre. If you’re attending one of the theater’s plays or musicals, relaxed attire is the norm—though some people choose to dress up. If you’re there to see the theater, museums, and Petersen House then casual dress, including jeans, is fine.

No, Ford’s Theatre doesn’t have on-site parking. However, there are independent payable parking garages nearby. The closest is on Washington’s 950 F Street beside the theater—there’s an elevator directly to its lobby. Other garages and metered street parking are available, but the latter is time-limited and difficult to find.