Ford's Theatre National Historic Site
National Historic Site · District of Columbia
NPS Photo
Theater in Washington, D.C.
Ford's Theatre is a theater in Washington, D.C., which opened in 1863. In 1865, it was the site of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. The theater was later used as a warehouse and government office building. In 1893, part of its interior flooring collapsed, causing 22 deaths, and needed repairs were made. The building became a museum in 1932, and it was renovated and re-opened as a theater in 1968. A related Center for Education and Leadership museum opened in 2012, next to Petersen House.
About Ford's Theatre National Historic Site
On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre. Discover how everyday people experienced a national tragedy and how we have remembered a fallen leader. Today, in partnership with Ford’s Theatre Society, live dramatic productions highlight Lincoln’s love of the theatre and the power of stories to connect us to ourselves and our history.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Theatre Hours
Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is generally open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The box office opens daily at 8:30 a.m. for tickets and reservations. As Ford's is a working theatre, parts of the site, especially the theatre, may be closed or operating with modified hours. For the daily schedule of what is open, what can be included in your visit, and what tickets are available, please visit the Ford's Theatre Society calendar webpage.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Ford's Theatre National Historic Site?
Timed Entry Reservation - Location: $5.00. Make your reservation on the Ford's Theatre Society website at the link below. The reservation includes a self-guided tour through the museum, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died), and Aftermath exhibits. Because Ford's Theatre is an active theatre, some tours or tour elements may occasionally be unavailable. Free, same-day tickets may be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Ford's Theatre box office; supplies are limited.
What are the best activities at Ford's Theatre National Historic Site?
Popular activities at Ford's Theatre National Historic Site include: Arts and Culture, Theater, Guided Tours, Junior Ranger Program.
What is the weather like at Ford's Theatre National Historic Site?
Washington DC gets to see all four seasons. Humidity will make the temps feel hotter in summer and colder in winter. Spring (March - May) Temp: Average high is 65.5 degrees with a low of 46.5 degrees Summer (June - August) Temp: Average high is 86 degrees with a low of 68.5 degrees Fall (September - November) Temp: Average high is 68 degrees with a low of 51.5 degrees Winter (December - February) Temp: Average high is 45 degrees with a low of 30 degrees
How do I get to Ford's Theatre National Historic Site?
Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is located on 10th Street NW, between E and F streets, in downtown Washington, DC. The site is within walking distance of the Metro stops at Metro Center and Gallery Place. Parking garages and metered street parking are located nearby.
Entrance Fees
Make your reservation on the Ford's Theatre Society website at the link below. The reservation includes a self-guided tour through the museum, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died), and Aftermath exhibits. Because Ford's Theatre is an active theatre, some tours or tour elements may occasionally be unavailable. Free, same-day tickets may be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Ford's Theatre box office; supplies are limited.
Weather
Washington DC gets to see all four seasons. Humidity will make the temps feel hotter in summer and colder in winter. Spring (March - May) Temp: Average high is 65.5 degrees with a low of 46.5 degrees Summer (June - August) Temp: Average high is 86 degrees with a low of 68.5 degrees Fall (September - November) Temp: Average high is 68 degrees with a low of 51.5 degrees Winter (December - February) Temp: Average high is 45 degrees with a low of 30 degrees
Directions
Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is located on 10th Street NW, between E and F streets, in downtown Washington, DC. The site is within walking distance of the Metro stops at Metro Center and Gallery Place. Parking garages and metered street parking are located nearby.
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Official Resources
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