The theatre was originally a Baptist church before being converted into a place of entertainment in 1861.
John Wilkes Booth was a famous professional actor who was intimately familiar with the theatre's stage layout.
The flag that draped the presidential box during the assassination is preserved in the museum collection.
After the assassination, the U.S. government purchased the building and converted it into a storage facility and office space for the War Department.
In 1893, the interior of the building partially collapsed, killing 22 government clerks, which led to it being abandoned for decades.
The Petersen House across the street, where Lincoln died, is preserved with furniture arranged as it was on the night of the event.
The theatre underwent a major interior restoration in the 1960s to return the auditorium to its April 1865 appearance.
The museum collection includes the coat worn by Lincoln on the night of the assassination, though it is not always on display due to preservation requirements.
Ford's Theatre is the site of the 1865 assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, now operating as both a working theatre and a historic site. The complex includes the restored theatre auditorium, a museum featuring artifacts from the assassination, and the Petersen House where Lincoln died. Visitors can view the derringer pistol used by John Wilkes Booth and Lincoln's original clothing. The stage continues to host professional theatrical productions throughout the year. The site is managed in partnership with the National Park Service. It functions as a National Historic Site, preserving the Victorian-era atmosphere of the 1860s. The site includes an educational center focused on the Civil War era and Lincoln's presidency. The presidential box is preserved as part of the historical exhibit within the auditorium.
The view of the presidential box from the main floor of the theatre auditorium.
Book your entry tickets well in advance, especially during peak spring and summer tourist seasons.
Visit the Petersen House across the street immediately after touring the theatre to complete the historical narrative.
Check the theatre's performance schedule, as daytime tours may be restricted on days with matinee shows.
Do not show up without a timed entry ticket, as walk-in availability is rarely guaranteed.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; the auditorium may be closed to museum visitors during scheduled theatrical rehearsals or matinee performances.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor within the theatre auditorium and the Petersen House; flash photography is prohibited in museum exhibit areas.
