Ford's Theatre is a working playhouse and museum in downtown Washington, D.C., built in 1863

Ford's Theatre sits at 511 Tenth Street NW in the heart of Washington, D.C.'s downtown. It is both an active theatre where you can watch performances and a museum dedicated to the building's history — most notably as the site where President Abraham Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865. The theatre closed after that night and remained shuttered for over a century. It reopened as a playhouse in 1968 and has operated continuously since, hosting Broadway-style productions, concerts, and educational programs.

The building itself is a four-story structure with a red-brick facade. The theatre occupies the main floor, the museum spans the basement and upper floors, and the entire complex is operated by the National Park Service as a historic site. Admission to the museum is free, though tickets to performances cost the same as any other theatre.

Key Takeaways

  • Ford's Theatre operates as both a working playhouse and a museum, so you can see a show or tour the historic building on different visits.
  • The museum is free to enter and covers the theatre's construction, its role in American history, and the events of April 14, 1865.
  • You do not need a ticket to the museum to walk through the lobby and see the ground-floor exhibits, though the full experience requires going downstairs.
  • The theatre hosts professional productions year-round, with ticket prices and availability varying by show.
  • The building is accessible by Metro (Gallery Place–Chinatown station) and has limited street parking nearby.

What the Museum Covers

The museum portion of Ford's Theatre focuses on three main areas: the theatre's original construction and operation in the 1860s, the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln, and the assassination itself. The basement level holds artifacts, photographs, and documents from the Civil War era. Display cases show period clothing, playbills from performances that happened before the assassination, and personal items belonging to people present that night.

The second floor features the Lincoln Museum, which traces his life from childhood through his presidency. This section includes his personal letters, campaign materials, and objects from the White House. A separate exhibit covers the events when ready following the shooting — the manhunt for John Wilkes Booth, the trial of the conspirators, and Lincoln's death at the Petersen House across the street.

The theatre's balcony box, where Lincoln sat when he was shot, is preserved and visible from the main floor. You can see the exact layout of the theatre as it was that night, with period furnishings and lighting restored to historical accuracy.

Touring the Theatre Building

A full museum visit typically takes 90 minutes to two hours. You enter through the main lobby on Tenth Street and can browse ground-floor exhibits without a ticket. To access the basement museum and upper floors, you pick up a free timed-entry pass at the information desk. These passes are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and usually allow entry within 15 to 30 minutes of the time you arrive, though during peak tourist season (April through September) wait times can stretch longer.

The basement is climate-controlled and well-lit, with clear signage and benches throughout. The upper floors are accessible by elevator or stairs. If you plan to see a performance, you can tour the museum before or after the show, though you will need separate tickets for each.

Attending a Performance

Ford's Theatre operates as a regional theatre producing four to six major productions per season, which runs September through June. Productions typically include musicals, dramas, and comedies. The theatre also hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts, and special events. Ticket prices vary widely depending on the production — a typical drama or musical might range from $35 to $85, though some shows cost more and some special performances cost less.

You can purchase tickets online through the Ford's Theatre website, by phone, or at the box office in person. The theatre has a seating capacity of about 680. The orchestra section has good sightlines from most seats, though the balcony and side boxes offer different viewing angles. If you have mobility concerns, the theatre has accessible seating and accessible restrooms on the main floor.

Performances typically run Tuesday through Sunday, with matinees on some weekends. Show times vary by production. The theatre is closed on Mondays and does not host performances on major holidays, though the museum remains open.

Hours, Admission, and Getting There

The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours during the summer months (until 5:30 p.m. from June through August). The theatre is closed on Mondays and federal holidays. Admission to the museum is free, but timed-entry passes are required and are distributed at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis. The last pass is usually issued 30 minutes before closing time.

Ford's Theatre is located at 511 Tenth Street NW, between E and F Streets. The nearest Metro station is Gallery Place–Chinatown on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines, about a five-minute walk away. Street parking is available but limited and often full during business hours. Several paid parking garages operate within two blocks. The building itself is fully accessible, with an elevator serving all floors and accessible restrooms on the main level.

What to Know Before You Go

The museum contains detailed information about Lincoln's assassination, including photographs of the crime scene and descriptions of the violence. If you are visiting with children, consider their age and sensitivity to historical violence before entering. The museum provides context and educational framing, but the subject matter is inherently serious.

Photography is not permitted inside the museum or theatre. The building can be crowded during peak hours, especially in spring and summer. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday morning or during the winter months. The basement museum is cool year-round, so bring a light jacket if you are sensitive to air conditioning.

If you plan to attend both a museum tour and a performance, budget at least three hours total. The museum alone takes 90 minutes to two hours, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes before a performance begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tour the theatre building without buying a show ticket?

Yes. The museum is separate from the theatre's performance space, and museum admission is free. You can tour the building, see the exhibits, and view the balcony box where Lincoln sat without attending a performance. If you want to sit in the theatre seats during a show, you need a performance ticket.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes. A small gift shop operates in the lobby and sells books about Lincoln and the Civil War, reproductions of historical documents, and theatre merchandise. It is open during museum hours and before and after performances.

Can I bring children?

Yes, though the museum covers the assassination in detail. Children ages 8 and up typically handle the content well with parental guidance. Younger children may find the subject matter upsetting. The museum does not have a separate children's section, but staff can point you toward age-appropriate exhibits.

What if I want to see a show but do not have time for the museum?

You can attend a performance without touring the museum. straightforward purchase a show ticket and arrive 15 minutes before curtain. The lobby has displays you can browse before the show begins, but you do not need to enter the museum galleries.

Is Ford's Theatre wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The building has an elevator serving all floors, accessible restrooms on the main level, and designated accessible seating in the theatre. If you need specific accommodations, call the box office in advance to discuss your needs.