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.

 

Overview of entrance requirements

Most visitors need

• Ford's Theatre Museum Self-Guided Tour Reservation

  Required Jan 1–Dec 31

  Required to tour the museum and theatre
• Parking/Transportation

  Parking, shuttle, or other transportation-related fees may apply.

  Learn more

Reservations and Timed Entry

Ford's Theatre Museum Self-Guided Tour Reservation

Required to tour the museum and theatre

Dates applicable

Jan 1–Dec 31

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

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.

2023 Fee-free Days

No entrance pass required on these days:

• Monday, January 16 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Saturday, April 22 — First Day of National Park Week
• Friday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
• Saturday, September 23 — National Public Lands Day
• Saturday, November 11 — Veterans Day

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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.