Ford’s Theatre at 511 10th St NW is both a working performance venue and a historic site in Washington, DC. Abraham Lincoln was shot here on April 14, 1865, during a performance of Our American Cousin. The museum explores Lincoln’s presidency and the assassination, with exhibits and personal artifacts; you can also see the theatre and the presidential box. Across the street, Petersen House marks where Lincoln was taken and died. Book ahead for a museum visit or a show, and consider seeing both historic sites.
The theatre and the assassination
Ford’s Theatre was a place of entertainment during the Civil War. On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was watching the play Our American Cousin with his wife when actor John Wilkes Booth entered the presidential box and shot him. Lincoln was taken across the street to Petersen House, where he died the next morning.
The theatre closed after the assassination and remained shut for more than a century. It reopened as a working theatre in 1968. Today, its restored interior serves as both a performance space and a place to learn about the event and its aftermath. The presidential box, where Lincoln was seated, remains a central part of the visit.
Inside the museum
The museum’s exhibits cover Lincoln’s life and presidency, the Civil War, the assassination and the people involved in the conspiracy. Personal objects associated with Lincoln and Booth help explain the events of that night. Interactive displays add context to the historical material.
A visit to the museum can be paired with a walk-through of the theatre. National Park Service guides lead tours and share information about the building and its history. The theatre itself is a powerful setting for that account, but the museum also provides a fuller view of Lincoln’s presidency and the national response to his death.
Petersen House and live performances
Cross 10th Street to Petersen House, the small former boarding house where Lincoln spent his final hours. The house and theatre are closely connected parts of the same historic visit. The Ford’s Theatre Center for Education and Leadership across the street adds further exhibits about Lincoln and his legacy.
Ford’s is still an active theatre, with plays and musicals staged through the year. A performance gives you a chance to experience the restored room as a venue, as well as a historic site. Museum admission is included with tickets to a theatre production. If you plan to see a show, check the theatre’s calendar and reserve in advance. The museum can be visited before a performance, and only water is allowed inside the theatre.
FAQ
Where was Abraham Lincoln shot?
Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865, while watching Our American Cousin. The presidential box is visible during a visit.
Can you see a performance at Ford’s Theatre?
Yes. Ford’s Theatre is an active venue that stages plays and musicals. Check its calendar for scheduled productions.
Is Petersen House part of the visit?
Petersen House is across the street from Ford’s Theatre. Lincoln was taken there after he was shot and died there the next morning.
How long should I allow for the museum?
Allow about an hour to visit the museum before a performance.
