Park Overview
Ford’s Theatre is famously known as the theatre where Abraham Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865. The theatre opened in 1863, but after the assassination it became a warehouse and government office building. In 1932 it became a museum, and after a large renovation it reopened as a theatre in 1968.
After Lincoln was shot, he was carried into the streets by soldiers who were looking for a place to lay him down. They came across William Peterson, who let them use the first floor bedroom in his home. This later became known as the Petersen House, or the “House Where Lincoln Died.” The Petersen House and theatre are preserved under Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site. The Ford’s Theatre Society manages the Center for Education and Leadership next to the theatre. The first floor has a gift shop and 34 foot aluminum tower of books, while the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors contain exhibits about the assassination and aftermath.
Getting There
Ford’s Theatre is located on 10th Street in downtown Washington D.C. It is just behind Pennsylvania Avenue and a few blocks from the National Mall. There is random free street parking, but if you fly in and rent a car, I recommend leaving your car at your hotel and walking or using the Metro throughout the day. If you live 1-2 hours away, I recommend taking the Metro from a station on the outskirts of DC so you don’t have to deal with traffic at all.
Reagan National Airport (DCA) is right in DC and the Metro runs through it; however, there are a few other nearby airports that may or may not be cheaper, depending where you are coming from. Keep an eye on flights into Baltimore (BWI) or Dulles (IAD) and be sure to get the best deal!
Fees & Cancellation Stamp
The museum next to the theatre and Petersen House are both free. Guided tours of Ford’s Theatre are offered daily for $5. They last for a little over an hour. There are a certain number of tickets available the day of, but reserved tickets are highly recommended. Show tickets are not included with the tour.
You can get a cancellation stamp at the bookstore in the Museum.
Time Required at Ford’s Theatre
If you are going to tour the theatre, see the exhibits in the museum, and see the Petersen House, I would plan on 3-4 hours. If you are seeing a show, you will need to reserve the whole day.
Know before you go
In my opinion, the only way to experience Ford’s Theatre is to also see a show. After all, it is a theatre! I went with a school group and we saw Into the Woods, which was fantastic! If you get to DC early enough, you will have time to see the museum and Petersen House, walk around DC for a bit, and then come back for the show. There are plenty of places nearby to grab a cup of coffee or get a bite to eat.
Last updated: April 5, 2023
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