Ford's Theatre
The Basics
Visitors to Ford’s Theatre can see live performances, tour the theater interior, and head to the museum to step back in time and learn about the site’s history, including the assassination of President Lincoln. The museum covers the effect this moment had on American history and features artifacts such as the pistol used by assassin John Wilkes Booth. The site also includes the Aftermath Exhibits, which highlight the events that took place after Lincoln’s death, and the Petersen House, a boarding house across the street from the theater where the former president was pronounced dead. Ford’s Theatre is a typical stop on many hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours and American history tours of Washington DC.
Things to Know Before You Go
Ford’s Theatre is a must-visit site for American history buffs.
Tickets to the Ford’s Historic Site include access to the museum, the theater interior, the Petersen House, and the Aftermath Exhibits.
Most visitors spend about two hours exploring the site.
Visitors should reserve tickets in advance to guarantee entry; same-day tickets are limited.
Ford’s Theatre is wheelchair accessible and offers audio-described and signed-interpreted performances.
How to Get There
Ford’s Theatre is located at 511 10th St. NW in Washington DC, just a few minutes’ walk from the Metro Center station on the red line.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The historic site is open from 9am to 4:30pm daily with varying schedules for different areas. Ford’s Theatre is busiest between March and July; it’s advised that visitors purchase tickets in advance during this time. Travelers should arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled entry time.
Live Theater at Ford’s
Just as the theater scene was thriving at Ford’s back in the 1800s, today the theater offers live performances for visitors looking to honor Lincoln’s love of the performing arts. Since reopening in 1968, Ford’s has hosted many dramas, classic plays, and musical productions includingInto the Woods,A Christmas Carol, andThe Guard.
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