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Ford's Theatre

Theater and Historic and Protected Site

Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown, Washington

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Ford's Theatre

8.3^/10

343

ratings

Ranked #4 for tours in Washington
"President Lincoln’s assassination."(3 Tips)
"... same stage onto which John Wilkes Booth jumped after the fatal shot."(3 Tips)
"Very good audio tour"(4 Tips)
"where President Abraham Lincoln"(2 Tips)

72 Tips and reviews

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Christopher LongAugust 7, 2014
Very good audio tour, well done & informative museum, good presentation by the ranger in the Theatre itself. Worth a visit to learn more about Lincoln, see where he was shot and the room in he died.
Upvoted Aug 28
Edward DelfinoAugust 28, 2018
A part of American history. Info & artifacts related to the assassination of Abe Lincoln. This is a place all Americans visiting DC ought to take the time to visit. You might even learn something.
Upvoted Aug 25
Aaron SmithMay 13, 2015
Museum isn't great. You can see what Abe was wearing when he was shot and also the head his pillow was on. The Peterson house is worth it as is the small show you see in the theatre. Can't see the box
Luke CardyDecember 27, 2015
We had a really cool afternoon here, they have a lot of information and displays on the Lincoln assassination and even the actual gun used by John Wilkes Booth.
Joan EisenstodtFebruary 3, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Before/theatre, dine at Bistro d'Oc across the street. Charming, family own & operated;excellent food, ambience, lovely wines. Soak up the history IN Theatre. Enjoy excellent productions.
Cheng YangOctober 17, 2014
If you are coming for an evening performance, other than the French bistro opposite the theatre, try Hard Rock( happy hour 4-7pm) or Harrys( on E st & 11th) for a quick drink & small bites before show
The TravelerJuly 25, 2019
Theater is restored and the seats were comfortable for the presentation on President Lincoln’s assassination. The line out front moves really quickly. I would recommend a visit if in the area.
Joao Veloso JrFebruary 13, 2018
Historical site. Staff presents by heart and makes it even more special.
Claire EllenJuly 19, 2015
And often overlooked stop in DC I highly recommend it do the tour of the museum and the presentation very informative
John HankusJuly 16, 2015
Get there early for the free tickets because they sell out for the day on a first come first serve basis really quick.
Denis HurleyJune 29, 2014
The employees will tell you seats in the theater are "first come, first serve," but there are plenty of seats. Stay in the museum as long as you want- there's no need to rush for a seat and wait.
HISTORYApril 1, 2010
On the second floor of the Theater, you can see the boxseat where Abe Lincoln was sitting when he was killed. On the lower level the museum displays exhibits about Lincoln’s life and his tragic death.
C-SPANFebruary 1, 2011
Site of Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, Ford’s is the most visited site, off the Mall, in Washington, DC. Watch this C-SPAN YouTube video for more history from Theatre Director Paul Tetreault. Read more
Matt WiedenhoeftJune 23, 2013
Audio tour is not worth the extra money. The tour is worth the time & the theater is amazing. You can see directly into the box where Lincoln was shot.
National Geographic Traveller (UK)October 6, 2014
The place where President Abraham Lincoln was shot dead has been restored to how it was on that fateful night. Tours start with an exhibition that tells the story of his presidency. Read more
Danielle S.March 26, 2013
If you come for the programming outside of the tours and museum, forget One Destiny. Go for the educational talk with park ranger Caleb instead. What a fox!
Mark AbrahamDecember 28, 2012
You can rent the Acoustaguide for $5, or use your smartphone and download the Ford's Theater app. fords.org.
Michelle FauntleroyDecember 29, 2011
saw A Christmas Carol and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the show! excellent acting, great costumes, a little music and dancing, scary ghosts and the show moved right along!
heidi longApril 8, 2017
Small theater, but nice seats and Wonderful play. "Ragtime ". Beautiful singing and musuc
James CSeptember 7, 2015
It's a humbling experience. Truly a place that must be seen by all people.
Travel ChannelNovember 23, 2010
Ford's Theatre has preserved the 1865 scene where President Lincoln was assassinated. Plays are produced on the same stage onto which John Wilkes Booth jumped after the fatal shot.
ScoutmobNovember 28, 2011
Across from the no-gum-allowed Ford's Theater, there's a gum tree you stick your gum on and take a picture with. If you're into that kind of nostalgic gum-chewing.
Erik GrayApril 20, 2017
Watch the play that portrays the days after. It's all done by two actors.
Keith HunterOctober 24, 2013
Don't fight the line to go downstairs. Go up stairs and opposite of the presidential box for the best seats ever.
Paul LesterJanuary 9, 2010
The museum is free but you need to get a ticket at the box office, which is located inside. The video presentations are great. Make sure to watch all of them! Read more
DC Preservation LeagueJuly 22, 2011
Built by Baltimore theater entrepeneur John T. Ford in 1833 and reconstructed by architect James J. Gifford in 1863. The theatre was restored in 1967 to 1865 appearance
JohnJanuary 2, 2013
Only the most dedicated and committed fans of American history come here to learn about the man who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.
Genie GohmanOctober 20, 2012
We walked right in got our tickets and started the tour. This was October which is off season, but there were a lot of tour buses.
DebJune 24, 2023
Outstanding service from the staff.
Julia PileJuly 27, 2013
Need a free timed ticket. Theatre is gorgeous. Rangers do a great job of telling the history.
Jobu JemasJuly 20, 2013
The narrator was great. Really made you feel like you were there that night.
Andy ThompsonOctober 31, 2010
For being such an old place, Ford Theatre sure is technologically hip! So hip it's Google Maps favorite places and has a Fourswuare special!
Chef Scott AndersonNovember 3, 2013
Be sure to talk to volunteers, they have loads of great info
JESS3November 16, 2011
Head to the back of the building (use the alley off of F) to see where Booth had his horse waiting when he shot Lincoln.
Candice BarberApril 17, 2011
Audio tour is worth the 5 bucks. Make sure to check the daily schedule to know when you can enter.
Shannon M.April 24, 2013
In march the park service closes off the Lincoln booth because the large school groups create a fire hazard :(
M Squared Real EstateAugust 19, 2011
This is where John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, and he was taken across the street to the Petersen House where he died.
Lexy HaynesAugust 26, 2010
Especially nice at Christmas time to see A Christmas Carol. :-) Definitely go downstairs to museum, it's amazing.
pipituDecember 29, 2014
Free tour tickets are available daily at BO.
Karin KreutzerJune 12, 2011
After the assassination the entire building was ultimately gutted due to multiple burnings. The only original element is the brick mortar.
Michael X Bell😏March 23, 2011
Love visiting this museum, great museum in the basement, highly recommend
Vivian NunezJanuary 2, 2013
Amazing place to learn about Lincoln and Civil War.
Dirty BirdAugust 9, 2014
So small and hard seats if you're going for a show but historically significant.
Biz TraveldudeNovember 7, 2015
Cool, quaint, historic
Michael CastroApril 9, 2013
One of the best free tours in DC.
Shannon JeropkeNovember 15, 2021
This is where Lincoln was assasinated.
Mike BarkerOctober 4, 2014
Park Rangers do a great job
Laura Harvey StoutFebruary 20, 2011
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore and get the audio tour for $5
Loretta StultzJuly 5, 2010
This is a great theatre. It has history and it has been done over in the last couple of years.
Chad LorenzMarch 22, 2010
Catch a piece of great American theater here and check out the museum in the basement during intermission.

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