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Welcome to Ford's Theatre and the House Where Lincoln Died
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was assassinated at Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865. The mortally wounded president was carried across the street to Petersen's boarding house, where he remained alive but unconscious through the night. On April 15, 1865, President Lincoln died in the Petersen House. First opened to the public in 1968, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site protects the Theatre and Petersen House, houses a museum about the assassination, and is a working theater.

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is a unit of the National Mall and Memorial Parks and operates in partnership with the Ford's Theatre Society.

 

Hours and Seasons

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is open every day except for Thanksgiving Day and December 25. Tickets are free and required for entry.

However, Ford's Theatre is an active theater, and there are times when the theater is closed for matinee performances, rehearsals and special events. In some cases, the museum and Petersen House will remain open even if the theater is closed for performances. Visit the Hours and Seasons page for more information.

 

Ticket Information

Admission to Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is free and a ticket is required for entry. Your ticket provides you timed access to the theatre (unless there is a performance) and the Petersen House. Depending on the date and time, tickets may also include the museum. Tickets can be reserved online in advance or obtained in person at the Box Office.

Same day tickets will be available at the Box Office beginning at 8:30 a.m. There is a limit of six tickets per person for same day tickets.

 

Permit Information

The National Mall and Memorial Parks Division of Permits Management administers permitted activities for National Park units throughout the National Capital Region, including Ford's Theatre National Historic Site. Permits are required for filming and photography and special events, including weddings.

Visit our Permits Management page for more information.

 

Passport Stamps

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site is home to three National Park Service passport book stamps. Stamps for Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, the Petersen House, and the U.S. Navy Memorial are available at the Box Office.