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 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.

• Reserve Ford’s Theatre tickets in advance to secure 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.

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 at Ford’s Theater

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 including Into the Woods,A Christmas Carol, and The Guard.

Do you need tickets to see Ford's Theatre?

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.

Is Ford's Theatre worth visiting?

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.

How long does the Ford's Theatre tour take?

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.

What is special about Ford's Theatre?

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.

What is the dress code for Ford's Theatre?

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.

Is there on-site Ford's Theatre parking?

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.

Ways to explore

Today, Ford’s Theatre is both a working performance center and part of the National Historic Site that also includes the Petersen House, where Lincoln died of his injuries. Historical tours of DC often include a stop at the theater, but if you’re visiting on your own, plan to spend about two hours exploring, depending on which ticket option you’ve chosen. Try to book ahead—different entry times include different combinations of access to the theater, museum, and Petersen House, so be sure to double-check when reserving your time.

Accessibility

The site is wheelchair accessible, with accessible seating, bathrooms, and free-to-use wheelchairs available. Additionally, ASL interpretation of presentations at the theater are available on request with two weeks’ notice, and certain performances include sensory-friendly stagings.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Credit card, water bottle

What to wear

The entrance line is outside, so dress appropriately for the weather.

Not allowed

Food or drinks (excluding water), large bags, visitors in costume, pets

Amenities

Gift shop, restrooms

Address 

Located in the busy Penn Quarter neighborhood, Ford’s Theatre is easy to reach by car or public transit. There are several independent parking lots around the theater, but be aware that they tend to fill up quickly.

Driving

There are parking lots on 10th and 11th Streets—if you’re coming from outside the city, head to the Colonial Parking lot by going southwest on Rhode Island Avenue NE toward 2nd Street NE, until you can take a left turn onto 9th Street NW. Continue until you can turn right onto E Street NW, and then turn right again onto 11th Street NW.

Public transportation

There are several metro stations surrounding the theater; take the Red, Blue, Orange or Silver Line to the Metro Center stop, or the Red, Green or Yellow Line to the Chinatown/Gallery Place stop.

Best times to visit

Check the tickets available ahead of time—because Ford’s Theatre is a working performance venue, it’s not always open to tour. Make sure the entrance time that you select includes access to the theater.

Best days to visit

Avoid the weekends, which typically have matinee performances, and instead visit on a weekday.

Best months to visit

November and December are both good options if you’re hoping to take in a show—the theatre has a long tradition of producing A Christmas Carol around the holidays.

Special events

There’s always something new happening at the theater—stay up to date by checking the calendar on its website, and find a range of events from immersive historical walking tours to playwriting workshops.