Ford’s Theatre

Abraham Lincoln’s final painless moments were spent here before being being murdered by Booth. This museum is amazing and enriches you with priceless information and artifacts.
Booth was a very popular actor that Lincoln had frequently seen at Ford’s Theatre. The location of his assassination is being preserved and is completely off limits. The museum has some un believable artifacts including wanted posters, Lincoln’s suite, pillow he passed away on with his blood on it and the gun that killed him.
The museum touches on his entire political career and his policy. It only costs a few dollars to book your reservation through Ticketmaster. Well worth the stop!

I only give this two stars not for the theatre itself but for a single, rude, intolerant, horses backside of an individual that works there. My group of 23 kids and adults were treated horribly after the theatre issued us tickets for the wrong date. This guy i believe his name was Joe talked down to us, would not help us and forces us to go to the end of the line to re enter after they fixed their mistake. Even rude to us as we re-​entered. This guy ruined our entire experience

Such great history here. My only complaint, and I’m not sure anything can be done about it, is the cramped setting. They cram a lot of folks in there at once, which makes it hard to really take anything in. The theatre portion is cool though and the house across the street, where Lincoln died, is humbling to walk through, as it should be. Well-​done in that regard.

Possibly my favorite museum in DC. I went into this one only knowing that Lincoln was shot there– nothing else. Because of that, I really didn’t expect a whole lot. I figured I’d walk into the theater, see it, and leave.
Well, this place does a really good job of breaking down the history leading up to the shooting. There’s a large room of so many things to read and I was completely consumed in the history of it all. I am really not a huge fan of history and never was, but this was so interesting. What I thought would be a 5 minute stop looking at a balcony inside of a theater turned into 30+ minutes of incredibly interesting history.

Great place to check out during your DC trip, loved the guide presentation! We got free tickets for some reason because of our home state… not complaining, thanks!!! However it seems unorganized and we were shuffled around without really being told or explained much, not sure how people got the little audio phone tours but I would have liked the option to do it.

The heater wasn’t as exciting as I had hoped. We paid for the One Destiny show at $ 5 a person but I wasn’t a fan of the play. I was hoping for a reenactment. I can’t complain too much since it wasn’t very expensive to get in. They even have free entrance tickets to the simple museum but the times are very limited.

Abraham Lincoln loved theater and he used to visit Ford’s Theatre frequently. This was also the site of his assassination. The booth where he was assassinated int he theater is closed to the public, but you can sit in other locations.
I’ve watched two shows here, and I loved how intimate the theater is.
I would suggest trying to get tickets within the first three rows in the center, you are super close to the stage and orchestra pit than if you were at Kennedy Center.
Before the show, you can check out the free museum about Abraham Lincoln presidency in the basement. Definitely worth arriving early to check it out.
Upon entering the theater, there is also a small exhibit of Lincoln’s life mask that was pretty neat.
The food oand gift shop selection is extremely limited, more like a tiny snack stand.

First off — I have an alibi.
Next — this is a great museum and I can’t wait to visit again. I had been walking quite a bit the day I visited (it was a one blister day) the museum so I thought I’d just breeze through and that would be that. Nope, I was caught up in the whole history of Lincoln and Booth and the tensions going on in the nation at the time.
It’s definitely something I appreciate as an adult but can see young ones taking home an important message as well.

This is a great historical place and the National Park Service does a great job keeping this history alive. I took my kids here on our last trip to D.C. My 7 year old daughter is an Abraham Lincoln fan and LOVED the exhibits, films and actually being in the theater. Get your tickets on line or at the theater the day before and be prepared to stand in line to get in. Get there early and be patient. If you have kids, involve them more by completing the Jr. Ranger program booklet and they can be sworn in as Jr. Rangers. My daughters swearing in was fantastic and she loved it. Overall an amazing place. Don’t forget to visit the Peterson house across the street.

Came here to see 110 in the Shade tonight with my friend Lauren and we were super impressed! The stars had wonderful voices and the songs were engaging and really catchy, especially the Rainmaker song. There was just enough humor and heartbreak to make you really fall in love with all of the characters. I felt like I was watching a show on Broadway; it was that good!
It was also so amazing to feel like you’re taking part in history by watching a show at Ford’s Theatre. I know I wasn’t sitting where Lincoln sat, but it gives you a little bit of a feeling of connection with America’s 16^th president.
Highly recommend seeing a show here!

Check out the theater and listen to what happened when President Lincoln was assassinated. The line can take awhile, but it moves fast. Make sure to not bring any food or drinks. The ranger will come out and speak about President Lincoln for about 30 minutes, then head across the street to Peterson House!

I’m a fan. My wife and I attended the musical 110 In the Shade and we were impressed. For a small, historic theater, Ford’s Theatre puts on some great plays/​musicals. 110 In the Shade had Broadway quality actors/​singers and you felt special being one of just a few hundred in the audience rather than thousands.
Before the show and during the intermission, they open up the museum in the basement to learn about the unfortunate assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and to honor his great legacy.
Maybe I am a nerd, but it is also very interesting to watch a musical so close to where Lincoln was fatally shot many years ago. Morbid, yes, but still part of history.

My BF and I were eager to fill out our National Parks passport as we came to DC. I had been to DC many times before and had seen all the sites but this was before I had made the purchase. Now that we both have it and are able to get our stamps we set out to find all the stamps we could get here in capital.
Anyways, Ford’s Theater was the closest to us and we decided to trek over. The exterior of the building is unassuming and you might actually walk right past it had it not been for the large sign that actually says Ford’s Theater. Then when it’s got your attention then you know that what you’re looking at.
They do require you to get tickets but from what I remember it’s really only for their documentation and doesn’t actually require a fee. They only let people in several at a time and it’s not until the very end that you actually get to see the theater. Once you get there, just head up to the top balcony because, well that’s what you came to see, wasn’t it?
The other National Park sites are a little further away so I might recommend that you start here and work your way to the others after.

I love history. In my opinion there is nothing more interesting than learning about our country’s past. On my last trip to DC I discovered that you were able to visit Ford’s Theater– where Lincoln was shot, and ultimately killed by John Wilkes Booth while attending a showing of, ‘Our American Cousin’.
You can purchase your tickets at the theater or online through Ticketmaster. Ford’s Theater does recommend buying your tickets in advance because they can sell out. The admission is $ 5 and it also gets you into the Peterson House– the home where Lincoln died. Double your money.
The tours have set times to them so pick the admission time that works best for you. While you wait for the tour you’ll get to walk through a small Lincoln museum. Honestly, the coolest thing there, and there were a lot, was being able to see the gun that shot Lincoln. Definitely a cool piece of American history.
Once they’re ready for you, you’ll line up and head into the theater. The theater has only been slightly updated and is now used for live productions, in addition to museum tours. Imagine being in a play on that stage? No thanks.
The balcony where Lincoln was shot is closed off and made as a small shrine to the late President.
The curator, while standing on the stage, takes you on a brief tour (speaking) of what was going on in the country at that time, Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, and how the events of that evening transpired. The curator spoke with great energy and passion, and although you’re just sitting there, you’re definitely entertained.
After he speaks, you’re able to go through and walk around parts of the theater. You can get next to the balcony, but you cannot go in which was a bummer.
The overall experience of being able to walk into the theater, hear these stories, and kind of relive that evening was worth every minute and $ 5. I highly recommend this for anyone; so many artifacts and history gems here. You’re going to love it.

This is for the Lincoln tour:
Get a tour ticket and arrive early, even in November when I visited two days ago. I visited the theater when there were two school groups. When you first get your ticket ripped, you’ll head down to the museum that explains more about Lincoln and his tenure as a president. There are also exhibits explaining who pulled the trigger. Look for the gun that was used that fateful night. The museum also includes a gift shop. The museum is rather dark and at time difficult to see what are in the glass cases, but there is still plenty to familiarize yourself with while you are waiting to head into the theater. The theater itself ropes off the balcony Lincoln sat at thus there is no way your could miss it. It was well lit and the seats are small. You could if you want to, sit in one of the theater chairs for a bit.

Loved the experience ! We sat upstairs and watched the ranger talk. We sat directly across from the booth that Lincoln was shot in. Even though it’s been restored, you can imagine what it was like back then .
Buy your timed tickets online to avoid the hassle later. Get in line early.

Historic and wonderful theater. I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house!
You walk in and there is a small store with souvenirs if you like. There are also snacks. But since its a historic theater you can’t eat or drink inside. There are some moderately priced things. You go and and be prepared for the openness of the theater. Its very nice.
I sat in the orchestra seating and only the set was blocking some of the scenes. There are no obstructions otherwise. There is a balcony with seating too. You can look up and see the box where Lincoln was shot… I think there is a little picture under the box…
Otherwise this theater was a very pleasant experience. I would definitely venture here again!

Bottom Line: We’re so fortunate that this historic theater has not only been preserved, but also contains a wonderful museum in Lincoln’s honor.
Every time I see Ford’s Theatre on TV or drive past it, I think about how fortunate we are that this historic gem still proudly stands on 10^th street. Given the tragedy that occurred here, I am sure some people would have been ok with the theater being leveled; however, I am glad that American’s have insured its survival. Although Ford’s Theatre is most well known as the place of Lincoln’s assassination, the show does go on and theater-​goers can still enjoy performances here.
Below the theater, there is also comedy and tragedy to be had in the museum dedicated to Lincoln. Although people may not typically associate comedy with Lincoln, he was a witty man with some great one liners! A detailed study of Lincoln reveals the sense of humor he kept in tact despite having a tough life and a taxing job. Most of the museum pays tribute to Lincoln’s great accomplishments as our 16^th president and only a small portion focuses on his assassins, which I appreciate. The museum is very well done and has some great artifacts, the most impressive and surreal being the pistol that John Wilkes Booth in performing his unimaginable final act.
The day I visited Ford’s Theatre the theater itself was not open but I am still giving this place five stars just based on the awesome museum. I can’t wait to return for the encore and check out the gorgeous, historically significant, theater.
Thank you President Lincoln for the inspiration you continue to provide Americans.

Pros: Admission is free and the box where Lincoln was assassinated is very well preserved.
Cons: There’s almost too much in the exhibition before the theater. If you’re with people whom are the type to read every information panel and watch every video (like the group I was with) it’s going to take 2 hours to get through the exhibit and theater. The exhibit covers almost every aspect of the presidency, as well as Lincoln’s personal life. I wasn’t a huge fan of the exhibit itself, but I did enjoy seeing some of the photographs of Lincoln and his associates, as well as the short video on the working relationship between Lincoln and Frederick Douglas.

Must visit when you are in the District. I’ve been fascinated by Abraham Lincoln ever since I was 10 years old, so coming here was very surreal. Coming here was a mix of fascination and sadness because of its history, but of course that is the attraction of it. The theater still operates, and I would love to come back one day to attend a performance. It’s a little smaller than I imagined, but obviously because it’s an old theater. There’s a little museum that is downstairs that chronicles the presidency of Abraham LIncoln. It is not a big room, so it is easy to stop at every keepsake/​station and take in all the history. Our visit was about a half hour, we didn’t rush ourselves.
Tickets are free inside and I believe it runs every 30 – 45 minutes or so.