Ford's Theatre is a working professional theatre, and there will be occasions when visitors will not be able to enter the theatre or museum due to rehearsals, set load-ins and matinee performances. Please see the Closings section below for more details.
Visits to the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site are free but do require a ticket. Tickets can be reserved online through Ticketmaster (fees apply).
For information on theatre performances, click here .
The site is open for tours beginning at 9 a. m. daily (except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). Final entry into the museum is at 4 p. m. Final entry into the theatre is at 4:30 p. m. The schedule for daytime programming varies from day to day.
Programming:
A visit to Ford's Theatre typically includes a presentation by either the National Park Service or Ford's Theatre Society. The National Park Service presentations offer an interpretive talk by a Park Ranger about Ford's Theatre and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Ford's Theatre Society programming includes a one-act play titled One Destiny , which tells of the events of April 14, 1865, through the eyes of Harry Ford and Harry Hawk, two men who were present the day of Lincoln's assassination. Both programs last approximately 30 minutes. Following the presentation in the theatre, visitors cross the street to the Petersen House, where Lincoln died. They then enter the Center for Education and Leadership, featuring exhibits exploring the aftermath of the assassination, the hunt for John Wilkes Booth and the lasting impact of Lincoln’s legacy. Visitors to the historic site may choose to begin their visit by walking through the museum. Please note that not all entry times include museum entry, so visitors are urged to check the timed entry schedule.
Acoustiguide:
Ford's Theatre offers an audio tour featuring additional stories, character voices, sound effects and historic photos, providing patrons with an in-depth look at Lincoln's presidency and assassination.
Day-Of Tickets:
The Ford's Theatre Box Office opens at 8:30 a. m. for distribution of free same-day, timed tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals are limited to six tickets per person for same-day tickets.
Advance Individual Tickets:
Advance tickets are available for visitors wishing to reserve a specific time for their visit. A convenience fee of $2.50 per ticket is charged for advance tickets. No exchanges or refunds. Online and phone ticket sales are handled through Ticketmaster (additional Ticketmaster fees apply). No telephone orders will be accepted for single ticket orders through the Ford's Theatre Box Office.
To reserve individual advance tickets, click here or call (800) 982-2787. Visitors are urged to consult the timed entry schedule before making a reservation to ensure the type of presentation they desire.
Advance Group Tickets:
Groups of 15 or more can reserve advance tickets by calling the group sales office at Ford's Theatre or by reserving tickets online through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster fees will apply). Group tickets are available at a discounted convenience fee of $2.00. Payment is due in full within SEVENTY-FIVE days before the scheduled visit.
Click here to buy advance group tickets or call (202) 638-2367 or (800) 899-2367.
For questions on the new timed entry visitation at Ford's Theatre, please email visit@fords.org.
