Fees & Passes

Timed reservations are required

Reserve tickets online (recommended) or get free, same-day tickets at the Ford's Theatre box office. You must have a ticket to enter the Ford's Theatre exhibits and museums.

While there is not a national park entrance fee, a reservation fee applies to advance reservations.

 

Key Information

1. Timed reservations required

   While there is no park entrance fee, timed reservations are required due to space limitations. Limit 6 tickets per customer. These reservations carry a small fee that benefits the Ford's Theatre Society, the official park partner. Visitors are advised to purchase advance tickets at least one day in advance. Free, same-day tickets may be available at the Ford's Theatre box office while supplies last.

   Reservations and timed entry

Reservations and Timed Entry

Ford's Theatre Museum Self-Guided Tour Reservation

Jan 1–Dec 31

Required to tour the museum and theatre

Cost

$3.50

Make your reservation on the Ford's Theatre Society website at the link below. The reservation includes a self-guided tour through the museum, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died), and Aftermath exhibits. Because Ford's Theatre is an active theatre, some tours or tour elements may occasionally be unavailable. Free, same-day tickets may be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Ford's Theatre box office; supplies are limited.

Exceptions

Museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

More about this reservation

Show lessabout Ford's Theatre Museum Self-Guided Tour Reservation

Timed entry tickets are required to visit Ford's Theatre National Historic Site. Tickets can be acquired for free in person at the Ford's Theatre Box Office, though walk-up tickets can sell out. Tickets can also be reserved online in advance through the Ford's Theatre Society's website. Online tickets cost $3.50. The reservation cost is not waived on NPS Fee Free Days. NPS Park Passes cannot be used to offset the reservation cost.

2025 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

• Thursday, January 9 — National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter Jr.
• Monday, January 20 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Saturday, April 19 — First Day of National Park Week
• Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
• Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
• Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

 

Group sales

Email [e-mail] for more information.

More information

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, Ford's Theatre Museum, Petersen House (the House where Lincoln died), and the Aftermath Exhibits in the Ford's Theatre Society Center for Education and Leadership are all open daily, with entries every half hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Some parts of the site, especially the recreated interior of the theatre itself, may not be available on some days and times due to special theatre events, performances, or rehearsals. Visit to the site are self-guided through the museum, Petersen House, and Aftermath exhibits. When the recreated theatre itself is open, some entries may include a 15-20 minute ranger presentation while others will include a walkthrough self-guided expereince with staff available to provide a short orientation to the theatre and answer questions. An audioguide is also available for a small additional charge. The schedule varies considerably due to performances and preparations. Please check the reservations schedule on the Ford's Theatre Society site for specific details on availability.

Purchase advance tickets at least one day in advance. Some walk-up tickets may be available at the Ford's Theatre box office, but in limited quantities. Walk-up tickets may not be available for some days or entry times.

Ford’s Theatre is open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Theatre closures for rehearsals and performances

Ford's Theatre is a working professional theatre, and there will be occasions when visitors will not be able to enter the theatre itself due to rehearsals, set load-ins, and matinee performances. Additionally, there may be occasions when the theatre will need to close unexpectedly. In the event of an unscheduled closing, every effort will be made to exchange those tickets for a different time. Should no exchange be reasonably possible, a refund will be issued in the same method of your payment. Every effort will be made to announce the schedule adjustments on the website and at the venue as far in advance as possible.