Ford's Theatre

This was such an awesome experience. I went through all the exhibits with my family. I got emotional several times. The message Lincoln left was so poignant. You really get to see who he was in his personal life, and how that made him such a revolutionary leader. The staff was so helpful and informative. You have to go in with the intention of getting the full experience. It is very easy to go see the “cool displays” and miss the message. I recommend taking your time, getting the audio tour, and asking questions. I’d recommend this tour to anyone with a curious mind :)

Absolutely beautiful theater! The museum downstairs is an actual museum that ideally you would have time to go through so maybe make a special trip not right before a show. Everything seems to be original in the theater, which makes it extremely unique. There is not a bad seat in the house as it is fairly small, which means you have a great experience no matter where you are. I have vertigo with heights and I was worried about sitting in the balcony so I got orchestra level seats, but It would not have been necessary. Beautifully decorated for the holidays as well. The gift shop is also worth visiting. There are a ton of unique and hip options. I noticed that you could buy tickets the night of, but we bought ours in advance online and then you pick actual physical tickets up at the box office, which was fun since you rarely get physical tickets anymore. We love scrapbooking. Also to note, they offer a generous military discount.

A beautifully preserved, historic theater on a more intimate scale than modern venues - that still has a full roster of shows. The museum part is fascinating but it’s a lovely place to see a show. We were there to see Mr Lincoln, a one man show starring Scott Bakula. The theater was comfortable, the show was excellent. Parking is readily available with multiple public garages within a one block radius.

My 11 year old son and I visited today. We have been to many museums in the area. Some are so big that you need several days to really enjoy every part. The Ford Theatre was a great size and will only take you 1-2 hours to go throughout. It is free and grants you access to the house where he died across the street. We really enjoyed being in such a historic place. We will go back with other family members.

Finally took time to come to Ford's Theatre. I was able to ask for walk-in ticket for the next timed entry without issue (on weekday). The museum portion prior to viewing the theater was informative. I thought the video of previous president's reading Lincoln's words was quite touching, and especially the parallel Lincoln/Booth timeline of events next to each other. The theatre itself was staged for a one-man show, which amazes me that it continues to be a working theatre. I think this particular show and it's props of Lincoln only elevated my experience being here. Be sure to keep your ticket and continue the tour across the street to the Petersen House. It has a small half-spiral staircase to the main door (I believe there is an elevator near the gift shop, though currently under renovation).

What a lovely venue!!!! We went to see Mister Lincoln (WOW!!!) and were pleasantly surprised to learn we could explore the museum before the show. Some of the older folks were having difficulty (the theater definitely pre-dates the ADA standards!) but there are elevators for people who need them. Icing on the cake was having a parking garage ATTACHED to the theater!!! It was all so easy!

This place breathes history. Every corner whispers stories of the past. The museum is top-notch, they really know how to showcase things. And the way they explain it all, really engaging and easy to follow. Plus, the theater is a cool bonus, definitely worth checking out.

It was one of the only things I really remember about history when I was growing up. I always wanted to see Ford’s theater and the home Lincoln died in. Glad I got to see it as it was such a big part of US history. The Patterson home where Lincoln died is directly across the street from Ford’s theater so you can see both in 1 quick visit

This was such an awesome experience. I went through all the exhibits with my family. I got emotional several times. The message Lincoln left was so poignant. You really get to see who he was in his personal life, and how that made him such a revolutionary leader. The staff was so helpful and informative. You have to go in with the intention of getting the full experience. It is very easy to go see the “cool displays” and miss the message. I recommend taking your time, getting the audio tour, and asking questions. I’d recommend this tour to anyone with a curious mind :)

Absolutely beautiful theater! The museum downstairs is an actual museum that ideally you would have time to go through so maybe make a special trip not right before a show. Everything seems to be original in the theater, which makes it extremely unique. There is not a bad seat in the house as it is fairly small, which means you have a great experience no matter where you are. I have vertigo with heights and I was worried about sitting in the balcony so I got orchestra level seats, but It would not have been necessary. Beautifully decorated for the holidays as well. The gift shop is also worth visiting. There are a ton of unique and hip options. I noticed that you could buy tickets the night of, but we bought ours in advance online and then you pick actual physical tickets up at the box office, which was fun since you rarely get physical tickets anymore. We love scrapbooking. Also to note, they offer a generous military discount.

A beautifully preserved, historic theater on a more intimate scale than modern venues - that still has a full roster of shows. The museum part is fascinating but it’s a lovely place to see a show. We were there to see Mr Lincoln, a one man show starring Scott Bakula. The theater was comfortable, the show was excellent. Parking is readily available with multiple public garages within a one block radius.

My 11 year old son and I visited today. We have been to many museums in the area. Some are so big that you need several days to really enjoy every part. The Ford Theatre was a great size and will only take you 1-2 hours to go throughout. It is free and grants you access to the house where he died across the street. We really enjoyed being in such a historic place. We will go back with other family members.

Finally took time to come to Ford's Theatre. I was able to ask for walk-in ticket for the next timed entry without issue (on weekday). The museum portion prior to viewing the theater was informative. I thought the video of previous president's reading Lincoln's words was quite touching, and especially the parallel Lincoln/Booth timeline of events next to each other. The theatre itself was staged for a one-man show, which amazes me that it continues to be a working theatre. I think this particular show and it's props of Lincoln only elevated my experience being here. Be sure to keep your ticket and continue the tour across the street to the Petersen House. It has a small half-spiral staircase to the main door (I believe there is an elevator near the gift shop, though currently under renovation).

What a lovely venue!!!! We went to see Mister Lincoln (WOW!!!) and were pleasantly surprised to learn we could explore the museum before the show. Some of the older folks were having difficulty (the theater definitely pre-dates the ADA standards!) but there are elevators for people who need them. Icing on the cake was having a parking garage ATTACHED to the theater!!! It was all so easy!

This place breathes history. Every corner whispers stories of the past. The museum is top-notch, they really know how to showcase things. And the way they explain it all, really engaging and easy to follow. Plus, the theater is a cool bonus, definitely worth checking out.

It was one of the only things I really remember about history when I was growing up. I always wanted to see Ford’s theater and the home Lincoln died in. Glad I got to see it as it was such a big part of US history. The Patterson home where Lincoln died is directly across the street from Ford’s theater so you can see both in 1 quick visit

You never forget that you're on hallowed ground here as the ghost of the Lincoln assassination reverberates through every timber of this 19th century playhouse. Now of course there's a full scale exhibit on the 16th president in the basement with the theater still remarkably true to its almost 200 y/o patina. We were fortunate to score tickets to a one man show, Lincoln, starring a brilliant Scott Bakula. You're drenched in history here and you'll vacillate between somber and exillerated from minute to minute. Given the gravitas of the location any rating system seems trite. A must see on any DC excursion.

This review leans more toward the historical tour and museum portion, though I do have a show there later this week (Mister Lincoln with Scott Bakula). First, historically: yes, this is "where" Lincoln was shot. Secondly, nothing is original about the building except the brick on the outside. Everything else is rebuilt/a reproduction. The museum has the basic history on Lincoln, the Civil War, his politics, his death. They do have some rare and interesting artifacts, including the derringer John Wilkes Booth used to assassinate Lincoln, as well as his boot, which was cut open by Dr. Samuel Mudd after he somehow broke his ankle. They also have one of the bloodied pillows that held Lincoln's head as he died. My main issue with the museum is how crowded it was. They herd everyone downstairs first, before the theater itself opens, and because you have to walk down stairs, there's a huge bottleneck. So many people are admitted at a time, it's just so congested and hard to enjoy. I didn't spend much time downstairs. The info they present is pretty good . . . but I just couldn't stand that many people in a tiny space. The ranger talk was great. Our ranger was a super Lincoln nerd (even named his cat Lincoln). He was funny, knowledgable, engaging, and gave a great overview of the assassination, what led up to it, and the aftermath. As far as the theater, I got to see the setup for the play I'm seeing later this week. The rows are wide, with a lot of leg room. The seats are wide and comfortable, more comfortable than any seats I've had on Broadway. Not a bad view in the house, even up in the balcony. Entry is 3.50, which is mainly a convenience fee, and the audio guide was five bucks. Many tours include entry into the Petersen House across the street, where Lincoln died. Make sure you buy ahead of time, these sell out.

I saw some confusion in recent reviews. To clarify when you buy the tickets online, read the details closely. It should say museum. Mine was for the museum and Peterson House. Total cost was $3.50. I recommend coming here at least 10-15 mins before your reserved time. If you have will call tickets, you can go inside, grab your tickets from one of the cashiers, and head back into line. At your reserved time, you will enter and head down into the basement. You do not need to stand in line. People that stand in line are mostly going to watch a short movie. You can move around as you please. There is a lot of interesting information to read and look at. Don't forget to go into the room where it talks more about John Wilkes Booth and it shows the gun he used to kill Lincoln. You can see the timeline for both Booth and Lincoln on what they were each doing, leading up to the incident. The last place should be the theatre where Lincoln was shot. There is no time limit for the museum and theatre. Someone said an hour but that's completely false. I recommend doing this on your own and not on a tour group.

This was a last-minute stop while we were in Washington DC because we had a little extra time. I will say it was worth the short walk and really packed full of history. The tour itself is pretty amazing and self led. Once you get into the theater itself there is a national park person there to guide you and help explain how everything happened that night in the theater. When you're done, you can walk across the street to the actual place where Lincoln died and physically see the room and the bed where that happened. As you are leaving, there's a stack of books that must be three stories high and it's one copy of every book about Lincoln. That was amazing. I believe they were over 14,000 books in the stack. If you're in Washington DC it's definitely a stop I wouldn't miss.

Obviously the history of the theater is fascinating. And the museum has quite a few fascinating exhibits. The actual pistol that fired the fatal bullet, a pillow Lincoln's head rested on, and more. The guides, however, leave much to be desired. From the moment you walk in to purchase your ticket, to the people stationed throughout to answer questions, they seem disheveled and scattered. They mumble, they don't interact well with the public. It's quite odd. The gentleman who gave the talk on the stage was quite good, but he was the exception that proves the rule. But for $3.50 you really get a good dose of knowledge if you're a history buff.

History buffs and those that love them, this place is a must do when visiting D.C. At times, I felt like I was transported back in time to that night. The tour guide/historian was an awesome storyteller and answered all of our questions. A+ crew. The tour is self paced, which allows you to check out the exhibits at your own leisure. It's not a lot of walking, and it doesn't take up too much time, so you can definitely squeeze this in if you have about 1.5 hours to kill. Words of advice; do not leave too soon. Walk across the street and checkout the house where Lincoln eventually passed away at. It's a bit eerie but worth the experience.

This place is amazing. Nothing that I have ever seen. To top it off, lots of history to educate you in American history. Make sure to get there early and check the website to make sure the theater is available because it isn't always open. This was our last stop before going home, so we had to speed through the museum area. There are about 4 or 5 rooms that highlight Lincoln's life. It ends in details of what Lincoln and Booth did on that horrible day. I would highly encourage taking the audio tour because it gives you bonus information. We did not get to do it but heard people praising it. Make sure to take as many pictures in the theater. I will have to say, the pictures do not do justice but it is still breathtaking. This will be a day to remember for sure. Enjoy your day, because I know I did!!!

I avoided posting about Ford's Theatre because it's a hard lesson in world history. The group of people that went after Lincoln...it's a hard lesson..how interesting..I don't know how that could be...I am not myself..we are all part of the whole world...cmon people smile on your brother..everybody get together..try to love one another ....could go to this tourist attraction..you won't be disappointed..you were warned...hang out with the saints and not the sinners.

The highlight of this experience was Ryan's storytelling on the theater stage. You could tell that he really loves his job and sharing history with others. I learned so many details that I never heard before. Walking around the museum area before entering the theater provided so much information about Lincoln, Booth, and what was going on during the Civil War. I felt that it helped provide a complete picture of what was happening from several viewpoints. I loved that there were parallel timelines of Lincoln's and Booth's activities on that fateful day. After leaving the theater, we walked over to the house where President Lincoln eventually died. The bed was so small. I found the entire experience both educational and moving.

Perfectly preserved, this theatre is a lovely historical museum and living entertainment enter. Though there is that tragic moment in our history that is a huge part of the theatre, it continues to be a living museum and also venue for modern plays and music. The small and intimate stage is a wonderful way to honor the past and continue to celebrate the fine arts! Not a bad seat to be had as it is a small theatre with good acoustics. Definitely love the mezzanine seats, as they provide a full view of the stage. We come every year for La Christmas Carol and the cast and crew do an amazing job as always. It is a tradition in our family to come here to kick off the holidays. Though we are SO looking for to this Spring's schedule that has Little Shop of Horrors coming this March. Will be writing that review as soon as we attend!

This place was really interesting and the tour we took was really great as well. Tickets are free if you show up or like 2 dollars or something to reserve online and pick up at the box office. (well worth it) There was a lot to see here and learn about the events surrounding and leading up to Lincoln's assassination. The theater has been remarkably preserved and it's wild to see how to period it still is. At the time of our visit the bottom floor museum was under renovations but it was still great. The ticket can also include a visit to the house across the street where Lincoln died which was underwhelming admittedly but still pretty interesting! This is an important part of American history and should definitely be on your list of places to see in DC!

You thought you knew about the assassination of President Lincoln, but you really do not... I ordered tickets minutes before the next tour was starting at 10am; it was nice that there was an available slot last minute. But, do be aware that I came in late November, so this can vary if you visit at a more popular time like June-August. The first part of the tour wasn't too fun, with having to maneuver around a lot of people to read information on the walls. Half of the time, I skipped reading because I felt like I was standing in someone's way. However, for what I did learn, it was valuable and opened my mind beyond the act of the attack on Lincoln and saw how that moment came to be. For instance, do you really know who John Wilkes Booth is? How was he able to get so close to the President? What was his motivation? All this and more, you can learn from this exhibit. I was much happier when it was time to sit inside the real theatre the infamous event took place in, and guests were treated to a detailed story about the build-up to the assassination, including what Lincoln did that day- humanizing the former President in a way than most outlets tend to forget. The story is 20-minutes long with no video accompaniment, so without paying attention, you could get bored. Fortunately, you would not be shamed for skipping this portion of the tour or stepping out for any reason. But, I highly suggest to sit through all of it because by the end, I truly felt like I had a better perspective on history. Afterwards, you're guided across the street to visit the home that Lincoln died in- which was itself a surprise. Did you know he didn't technically die in the theatre? Find out how when you visit this home that illustrates the aftermath of the assassination and how the United States was forever impacted by their loss. You can choose to skip this part too, but I feel like you'd miss out. There's some great thought-provoking questions that you can carry in your minds afterwards, with my favorite being: Who is your Lincoln? Which president since him has most closely resembled his character & ideals? The options sure were interesting... Overall, both buildings were clean and respectful to the President, and you get a full view of where he sat on that dreadful day. The crowds were very high for the tour having spare tickets, so a face mask would suffice (and fast reading is helpful). But I learned so much that now when I hear about this historical incident, I can observe it from a new angle, and see what can lead a man to take another one's life, and how we can try to prevent this from happening again.

Tony and I celebrated his 61st birthday by going to Washington DC. One of the many sites in Washington we saw was the Ford's Theater where President Lincoln was assassinated. Tony and I walked 12 miles this particular Saturday as we toured around the city on foot. The Theater was very busy and free to enjoy! There was a lot of tourist and the day was gorgeous weather very warm with a nice breeze off the Potomac River. This is a lovely city that I enjoy! Tony's first trip, my 10th!!! Highly recommend and it's Free to enjoy!

Great info but misinformation. Mary Sarratt was executed on July 7 1865. Info in theatre said she was spared execution.

I totally forgot to post my review of this historic theater which was famously known for President Lincoln's assassination by John Wilkes Booth...Inside you can see where it took place, as you imagine the event that unfolded that day on April 14, 1865. Attached is a screenshot of my initial review...appreciate the preservation of history because as humans we learn through events and lessons learned!

I visited Ford's Theatre for the first time a few weeks ago when I was in DC for the weekend with some friends. A historic site visit to the theatre includes entrance to a small museum in the basement of the theatre, a history talk offered by a National Park Service ranger in the theatre, and entrance to the Petersen House (the house across the street from the theatre where President Lincoln was taken after he was shot and where he died the following morning). You can make reservations for a historic site visit on their website, and you only pay a small fee ($3.50, I think). I learned a lot and enjoyed the visit. Definitely worth visiting if you're interested in history!

We didn't know what to expect when visiting this museum but goodness, we certainly learned more than we ever thought possible! We bought tickets ahead, opted for the audio tour (very helpful!) and was able to start our tour early, despite having timed tickets. I think we spent 2+ hours at this location alone before going across the street to the place of his death. There are stories, history lessons, artifacts (blood-stained pillow, gun that killed him), so many details we knew nothing about relating to his death, and the capture of his murderers, his life, family and time in office. We especially enjoyed the tour in the theatre where you can see the area he was shot and hear the details of how it all went down. Quite fascinating!

What a lovely venue with a fantastic museum ! The original detailing is still in tact. We saw a production of little shop of horrors and holy cow - the talent the singing the production the staging just FANTASTIC! We were so shocked at the quality of the show! We're looking forward to going to more shows!

I have been multiple times. It is a nice explanation of events as they occurred on the Day Lincoln went to the theater in addition to the tour through the house across the street. I encourage everyone to visit at some point.

This will be my second time at the Ford Theatre and I really enjoy the small personal feeling this place exudes. From the aged stairs and balconies to the people that work here it seems like the type of place that you can enjoy both a high quality or amateur production. In my opinion there are no bad seats in the house but I prefer the second floor first row on the side or angle across from where Lincoln was shot. This last visit I went to see Little Shop of Horror for my sister's birthday and I really enjoyed the show. If you are into plays I would highly recommend going here at least once.

I've walked by here a thousand times, but only recently visited the theatre. The museum in the basement is a small but nice collection of historical context and slightly morbid items related to Lincoln's death. Tickets are timed but free and include the Petersen house across the street. The ranger staff was very knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions visitors had.

I enjoyed that the self guided tour I booked also included the Peterson House. I only wish that there was a docent in the theater that answered questions. The gift shops throughout had an excellent selection of items.

Five starts for the amazing local actor who did the walking tour - excellent account of the night Lincoln was shot. The museum was also well done. Unfortunately, the theater itself was closed when I visited the museum, which was odd because it was included with the ticket I purchased. Terrible customer service to allow people to purchase tickets for the theater and then not allow access.

This was a great visit for historical purposes. I went through the museum first, then into the theatre and then to the Peterson house. You have to read/select your ticket option carefully because not all include everything. To get to the museum you go down some steep steps The museum was packed with people, so I did a quick loop and then went up the 50+ steps to the balcony of the theatre. A ranger was answering questions so I sat up there for a few minutes then exited and walked across to the Peterson house to view the actual spot where he died. I did find it funny that the box in the theatre was decorated but had George Washington's photo hanging, not Lincoln's but didn't inquire as to why.

This is a free museum to visit, it's very popular and get s very crowded. The staff does a wonderful job of handling huge number of visitors. The tour starts with going through the history, life and major events Abraham Lincoln, includes his days as Senator, the civil war and the day he was attacked. The tour's last event is an act in the theater itself, where a park ranger beautifully narrates all the events and timeline of April 15-16, the day Lincoln got shot and the day he passed away. We also got to hear how Booth was captured afterwards. After the theater visit, there's free entrance to the Petersen house, where Lincoln was taken after he was shot. He passed away in this house in the morning hours. This building includes many of the memorabilia, arts and other crafts dedicated to the life and work of Lincoln. Has a huge book tower that includes covers of thousands of books written about Lincoln. Overall this was the most impactful place I visited in DC. I felt huge respect for a man who did so much for our country. It was sad to learn how awfully he lost his life. Everyone visiting DC should stop by this place to pay a tribute to great man, Abraham Lincoln.

I have been to DC so many times, first time finding out the Ford's Theater!! Highly recommend to everyone. You go thru all the history about Lincoln, the rooms and the exhibition. Amazing. FYI: Same-Day Tickets: A limited number of free same-day tickets are available at the Ford's Theatre Box Office beginning at 8:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis (info from the website).

My wife and I love history and try to visit as many historical sites as we can when we travel. We were lucky to be able to visit Ford's Theatre this past May and it was extra special that we got to bring along several of her students as we were in town for a conference. We opted for the self-guided tour and we spent a while exploring the museum as it had excellent information on the Civil War and really helped you prepare for what happened inside the theater. We got to explore the theater as well and it's humbling to be inside a building that was so pivotal in American history. It's a must-see when you come to D.C. and it's a great way to spend an afternoon. Make sure you also go across the street and visit the Petersen House (where Lincoln died) as well.

This has been on my list to do and see and coming to DC for the 3rd time was the charm! Actually it started yesterday with me coming and then me being told the theater was closed which really bummed me but it's not always guaranteed But they told me to come today in the morning and sure enough it was open!! The exhibit and museum areas are incredible and fascinating and to see the actual gun and pillow and to see the where he was tragically shot and also the bedroom/house he eventually died in was surreal and chillin to be there I definitely recommend going and seeing actual history

This is one of the coolest places in Washington. Note that you need to get your ticket ahead of time in order to see it - which is new since the last time we came. The line was pretty incredible. The theater is really special - I agree about the docent in the theater. We did have to pay to see a performance which frankly we skipped. We just wanted to wander in the theater and the museum. There are a lot of people in the area all at once, which I think they could have seperated a little but perhaps it is because we were there first thing in the morning. A+, must see.

$3.50 for a ticket to tour the theatre, get a walk thru of the night Lincoln was assassinated and see the former boarding house across the street. What a deal! Spend the $3.50! Huge line- but no worries you have already bought your ticket online, right? You pile in to the theatre. But before the line is moving a Ranger gives you a little information. (Beware no food or drinks allowed inside and strollers are welcome. Don't be like my in-laws who opted to spend money on food and drinks just minutes before entering this historic place. Their drinks met the garbage.) We got in and got great seats even though there were at least 100 people in front of us. Sit to the left or the center of the theatre for the best vantage point of the balcony box that they keep talking about. A young historian stood on stage for about 25 minutes and recanted the stories of that evening. He really did an amazing job! Vivid, clear and just the details I needed/wanted. I felt like I was a part of the story. I fully understand what happened that night at Ford's Theatre and the best part, my 11 year old was captivated. Worth It! Tip: If you have a young child don't let them open the door on the top floor of the boarding house of the replica log cabin where Booth was captured- let's say the gun shot literally scared the crap out of my 2 year old!

We researched our trip to Washington DC and places to see. Ford's Theater was on the list - and it didn't disappoint. It was also near the Old Town Trolley hop on/hop off. The history was not limited to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln but many things going on in that time. Being somewhere so historical was chilling at times.

Interesting historical site. It was eerie to see the actual theater booth where the assassination took place. I left with a deeper understanding of this sad part of our history.

This is a must see on a tourist's trip to the DC area, and gives you a good overview of Lincoln's last day. The experience starts with about 30 minutes of free time in the museum before heading up to the theatre for a ranger led talk. The talk itself was great and very informative, however it was a bummer to learn that the entire theatre is a recreation after the original collapsed.

Recently went to Washington DC on an 8th grade trip. Although I did not see any plays, the speech the "officer" did was pretty cool. They actually closed it off against the owners wishes after Lincoln was assassinated. Still, the president's box was still there. Also, there was another box similar to the president's box. So, this place is definitely a 5 star for me. Sadly, I did not get to visit the museum in the basement.

The Little Shop of Horrors Musical at Ford's Theater in D.C. was so much fun. From the singing, acting, costumes, and music...everything was beautifully executed. Loved it! If you have the opportunity to see it before they leave, you won't be sorry.

If you like to nerd out over history, I highly recommend the tour of Ford's Theater and the museum. Learning about Lincoln and seeing real artifacts up close was surreal. If you do the guided tour, I recommend paying extra to tour the house across the street where Lincoln was taken to die. There is a museum there too and it's worth the extra money. Tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and encourage you to ask questions. It is a timed tour since the theater and museum is very small and they want to get as many people in as they can in a day. I was disappointed because I didn't feel like I had time to see everything. I still recommend it though I learned a lot.

Outside of the improvements that they are working on, it is a great walking tour very easy to follow

What a lovely experience! "A Christmas Carol" will leave you full of Christmas/holiday spirit. We throughly enjoyed this show. The staff was really accommodating and offered to move to adjacent seats (I booked last minute an there were only single seats available). We ended up keeping our original seats but appreciated the effort. They don't allow photos, but I gook this shot when the lights were up and BEFORE they made the no camera announcement. Recommended for sure

Very informative exhibits. It's small enough that you don't feel overwhelmed with information, but big enough that you can walk around and explore. Also very cool to see the main theater area. We came here a few years ago and saw a show held at the theater, and a dramatic "recreation" of the events leading up to the assassination. I would recommend trying to get tickets for that one over the version we went to today which was just a walk around in the museum downstairs and a brief talk in the theater about Booth and Lincoln coming into the theater. Overall, it is a very interesting experience and a good way to get away from the heat. Be warned that you will have to spend about 30 min in the museum downstairs before being able to leave and go up to the theater for the brief presentation. If you have trouble with smaller/dark places, take the first half of the experience slow as the museum can get a little crowded in some spots. Also, we were told that during the summer Lincoln's box is closed to the public, but if you come during the winter in the off season, you may be able to get to walk around in the box. I would recommend coming here a little earlier in the day as the fatigue from the heat made it hard to walk around the museum for the designated 1/2 hour before being able to move on.

You can't help but chuckle to see a Lincoln-themed gift shop in the very theater where he met his untimely demise... Aside from the monumental history, this is a very nice theater! There really isn't a bad seat in the house, although a few seats in the balcony are limited visibility. The productions are also top notch. A friend and I recently saw The Trip To Bountiful and we're blown away by the incredible acting. What made this experience less than five stars was the ambiance. With only a half-filled audience on a Saturday night, I was disappointed by the lack of control from the staff. Other patrons were carrying on full conversations during the show, and ushers in the hallways were doing the same. It certainly took away quite a bit from the ambiance. I would come back here for another show, but probably not under those conditions.

Super informative!!! Crazy to read everything leading up to the assassination. The blood stained pillow lincoln used kinda hits differently when you see it.

First time at Ford's Theatre. Love their new lobby (built next to the historic Ford's theatre). They actually seal the doors to the old entrance. One can still tell from outside the historic site used to be a church. The new lobby has a shop, a coffee station, box office, and a ramp leading to the theatre itself. Considering how new it is, there seems to be very few stalls in the ladies' room (I was expecting something more equal provisions). The auditorium is beautiful with grand ceiling. There's the (in)famous balcony (booth) where Lincoln was assassinated which is now adorned with American flags. The museum in the basement is quite big, with lots of interesting displays. However, lighting is so unnecessarily dim. Please adjust the lighting. The text in many dimly lit corners is not legible. A huge problem! Came here to see Trip to Bountiful. What an experience.

We had a wonderful time just wandering and listening to the audio tour! Very well done. It was mind-blowing to see the chair he actually sat in and it was so quiet that my imagination took flight and I felt like I was right there. It must be all the pictures and movies over the years that help put you in the moment. There was a man giving a private tour (or maybe he was just REALLY knowledgeable!) but we listened in on some of that. The other thought I had was how small of a theater it was - nothing like we have today, and it made it even eerier! Because of covid (ugh!) we couldn't access the museum and house where he died across the street. I can't wait to return when it's all open. I have no idea why I waited for this DC trip to go, it's almost like you should start here and move to the newer parts after this. What a great exhibit of history!!

I wanted to update my review of Ford's Theater. This is a great place to learn about history and see a great play. Parking can be tricky. Read the social media or web site to have the most updated information about street closures or events nearby (especially events at Capital One Arena). I would metro or park several blocks away. There are garages that have evening rates after 5pm. There is a small gift shop on the main floor. If you arrive early, you can see the museum downstairs. When we attended, masks were still required. No eating or drinking in the theater. Hard Rock Cafe is on the same side of the street if you want to grab a bite before or after a play. Capital City Brewery is approx two blocks away (closes at 9pm weekdays). Clydes in Chinatown is open until midnight. Follow @fordstheatre to stay in the loop about new shows. #fordsgrace was worth seeing.

Ford's Theater is a must-see attraction while visiting our nation's capital. You will be educated about the Lincoln assassination through National Park Service rangers who give lectures while you sit in the reconstructed interior of the infamous building. I recommend checking the times online because you don't get access to all the activities such as the lecture, access to the museums and the Petersen Boarding House across the street at all times of the day. Seeing everything is a must. You will need to budget around an hour to an hour and a half to see it all. The site is located in the heart of the city so it is in walking distance to most hotels in DC. You could easily pair it with a visit to the National Archives which is a couple of blocks away. Whether you have a cursory interest in American history, the Civil War or President Lincoln, you will not be disappointed in what you experience here.

Saw "Shout Sister Shout" & it was fabulous. The venue is unique & beautiful. Amazing experience!

Ford's Theatre is a must to see where Lincoln was assassinated. You can see a show depending on the schedule or do a tour. We saw A Christmas Carol here and it was a great show. If you want an alcoholic beverage you will have to consume it before or during intermission since you are not able to take it into the theatre. The tour seems really neat but we chose to attend a show instead.

The Ford Theatre is a historical site where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, but across the street is the home where the doctors works on Lincoln before pronouncing him deceased. I recommend visiting both locations. The day I went the theatre was undergoing renovations so I hopped across the street to complete the tour. Great for history buff and the gift shop should not be missed.

Watched a musical here! Such a splendid way to spend a spring evening at the historic Ford's Theater. Nolan William Jr.'s #FordsGrace is an incredible musical feast of culinary tradition, family, and storytelling. The show runs through end of May, and is a must watch! I was lucky to be part of a group invited for a free preview of the musical. Orchestra seating was perfection, although I don't think there's any seat that could be terrible. It's a gorgeous theater! The theater itself has a ton of character. There was history all around, and I believe they do historic theater tours as well on most days. The area itself is incredibly lively too. Local theaters are wonderful cultural landmarks that beautifully capture stories and storytelling, voices and lived experiences. Even in the most trying times, theater can be a respite from the world. And in happy hopeful times, they can spark thought and action. Don't give this a miss!