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All 340 Washington DC Attractions »

Ford's Theatre

511 10th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004
202 347-4833
Ranked #21 of 215 attractions in Washington DC
4.5 of 5 stars 325 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, Theatres, History Museums
Activities: Group tours/walking tour
Owner description: The site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre is a working theatre, historical monument, world-class...... more » Owner description: The site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre is a working theatre, historical monument, world-class museum and learning center. The theatre produces musicals and plays reflecting the unique, diverse character of American life. With its inspiring theatrical productions, live historic interpretation, and rich collection of artifacts, Ford’s Theatre is the premier destination in the nation’s capital to explore and celebrate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. A daytime visit to the Ford’s campus traces the story of Lincoln’s presidency, assassination and legacy. The campus includes the museum, theatre, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died) and the new Center for Education and Leadership. Tickets are required. Admission is free; advance tickets have a convenience fee.In the evenings and on weekends, Ford’s presents dynamic productions of renowned plays, vibrant musicals, and newly commissioned works that captivate and entertain while examining political and social issues related to Lincoln’s legacy.In the spring and summer, Ford’s produces one-act plays and walking tours exploring Civil War Washington. These immersive experiences provide an authentic glimpse into a singular and transformative moment of America’s past.Throughout the year, Ford’s provides engaging educational programs for students, teachers and life-long learners, using Lincoln’s speeches and legacy to build speech, writing and leadership skills. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children
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325 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    85
    26
    7
    1
Date Rating
smyrna, tn
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

This auditorium is beautifully decorated. It actually takes you back in history with a chilling account of President Lincoln last day in his life. A lady dressed in a beautiful gown of the era told the story of the assasination of Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. This should be included in your DC trip if possible! More

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Fairfield, Connecticut
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

We got tickets but arrived too late to see the re-enactment of Lincoln's death that we payed for. Instead, we sat through a very boring explanation of the re-enactment which only costed like $5 each. Don't make the same mistake we did! More

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College Park, MD
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

Spooky & strange vibes while viewing the exact few square inches that Lincoln's live body occupied, and envision the terrifying evening. I understand this VERY important landmark is no longer under the Park & Planning Commission's care, & is experiencing severe funding problems; what a significant potential loss! Also 'heard' that the quarters across the street, where Lincoln's body was... More

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See 5 more reviews by Lyndanal for Washington DC
Napa, California
Top Contributor
108 reviews 108 reviews
Reviews in 64 cities Reviews in 64 cities
88 helpful votes 88 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

My visit to Ford’s Theater where President Lincoln was sadly assassinated was educational and well organized. If you are an American history fan then this stop is well worth it. Tickets are FREE or if you want a guaranteed time then you can order them online. The cost was $5.00. I would highly recommend checking the online schedule to ensure... More

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Sterling, Virginia
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012 NEW

This is an ok place attraction in DC to go and tour. The play was ok but not great. It was a 2 man play and which both of them were arguing about if the theatre was going to be used again after Lincoln was shot. We did the audio tour which you get a device that looks like a... More

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See 2 more reviews by TravelerMan96 for Washington DC
Surprise, Arizona
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

The renovation was terrific! We did the audio you plus theater and house where Lincoln died. They let you go back to the museum after the theater presentAtion if you need more time. Be sure to sit on the left on the theater so you see Lincoln's box. Also get in the line outside as soon as you check in... More

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Fairfax, Virginia
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

We attended a performance of "1776" at Ford's, which was the perfect venue for this show. The historic theatre has been returned to a fully functional modern theatre while retaining the historic feel, including the Presidential Box. We enjoy seats in the "Dress Circle", which is the first few rows of the balcony. The only down side to our visit,... More

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middle Tennessee
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

I wanted to make sure we got to see this, so I paid the convenience fee online to get my tickets in advance. After standing in line, we were led into the theater area and listened to a park ranger tell the story of what happened. He was monotoned and extremely boring. The theater is not the original theater- the... More

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See 13 more reviews by Biology_Major for Washington DC
Liza Lorenz, Manager at Ford's Theatre, responded to this review
22 May 2012

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Would you mind sending us the time and date you visited? This way we can pass along your comments about the presentation. You can email us at onstage@fords.org. And we are so sorry you didn’t get to see the museum. There is no separate fee to visit the museum exhibits, however not... More

Boston, Massachusetts
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

We went to Ford's theater not knowing what to expect. First the tour starts with a visit to a museum which holds Lincoln's clothes that he was wearing the night he was shot - very cool. Also has the gun he was shot with. Next step is to visit the Theater and a ranger tells the audience the story of... More

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See 10 more reviews by Lisa D for Washington DC
Alexandria, Virginia
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

This is worth the trip. Be sure to see the Lincoln museum in the theater The shows are very well done (though I find Christmas Carol boring). Some seats have obstructed viewing due to posts (structural supports). So be sure to ask when you buy your tickets about the view. They do have ADA seating at the back for folks... More

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See 24 more reviews by TheresaVA for Washington DC

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