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Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre, Washington DC: Hours, Address, Ford's Theatre Reviews: 4.5/5

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Ford's Theatre

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See all things to do
Ford's Theatre
4.5
4,312
#47 of 504 things to do in Washington DC
Historic Sites • Theatres • History Museums
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Wednesday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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About
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 is the premier destination in the nation’s capital to explore and celebrate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. A daytime visit can include the museum, theatre, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died) and Aftermath Exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership. Advance tickets are required (convenience fee). From September to May, Ford’s presents evening and matinee productions of renowned plays, vibrant musicals, and newly commissioned works that captivate and entertain while examining political and social issues related to Lincoln’s life and legacy.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown / Chinatown
How to get there
  • Metro Center • 4 min walk
  • Gallery Place • 5 min walk
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187
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Popular mentions
4.5
4,313 reviews
Excellent
2,892
Very good
1,065
Average
264
Poor
67
Terrible
25
otcarla28
Crown Point, IN145 contributions
Interesting, crowded
Jun 2022 • Family
Overall we enjoyed the theatre and home across the street, particularly the two man play you watch at the theatre which goes through events of the day Lincoln was shot as expiernced by people working in the theater. Before you enter the actual theater for the play there is a small museum area with artifacts - interesting but very crowded, difficult to get to see all of the items/areas.
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tamara C
Hendersonville, NC78 contributions
Must go see
Jun 2022
fantastic historical hidden gen/beautifully restored/run by the natural parks service/the young gentleman that was our tour guide was very knownledge about the everything there/ he was funny personable gentle and very kind/he went out of his way to accommodate our wheelchair and be sure he explained everything/the museum was really good as well/ highly recommend visiting this great historic treasure
Written 13 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lynn S
League City, TX563 contributions
Disappointing, didn't get to tour theatre
Jun 2022
We were sort of disappointed. No tours of the theatre were available the week we were in DC. I am not sure if they are allowing theatre tours right now. But the house across the street where Lincoln died is available for tours ($3 each) and it includes a 3-story museum which has lots of info and is pretty well done. It is run by the National Parks Service. I didn't like the fact they required masks (the only place in DC that was required, no other museum or restaurant or even the U.S. Capitol required a mask). You walk through the house and there is some info about where Mary Lincoln waited and where Lincoln's secretary of state made decisions and where Lincoln died but I don't think any of the furnishings are authentic. I'm still glad we went. If we get a chance to visit again perhaps we will be able to tour the theatre. Thankfully it was just a short walk from our hotel.
Written 9 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
J R
Kansas City, KS9 contributions
Disappointed but a must see
May 2022 • Family
First, the theater seems most concerned about you wearing your mask as they still have a mask requirement and are constantly telling everyone to make sure they are properly wearing their mask. Secondly, didn't get to access the main theater floor or the Lincoln seating area as in the past. Lastly, many artifacts were not on display as they were years ago. It's a must see but disappointed compared to our first visit years ago.
Written 30 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Glenda C
Jones, OK129 contributions
So Much History
May 2022
As one of my granddaughters stated, It does something to you to be able to stand right where history happened. The theatre and the Peterson house across the street are so full of history. We were there for quite awhile. I had been there before many years ago and in comparison, the museum before was better than now, but it still has a lot of wonderful archives and artifacts. The only real negative I would say is that the people at the beginning of the tour weren't as friendly and inviting as what we encountered at other places, but inside the theatre and across the street everyone was very nice and helpful.
Written 26 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bergmom
Duluth, Minnesota395 contributions
Many improvements!
May 2022 • Family
We were not able to get tickets ahead of time (sold out) so we arrived when the box office opened (on a Saturday at 8:30am) and easily got two tickets- no fee, just a donation. Self guided tour started at 9am and I couldn’t believe how much had changed from when I was here 15 years ago! The museum under the theater was much improved, containing many artifacts, although some of the lighting was almost too dim to read the placards. A super knowledgeable ranger was on hand in the theater itself to answer questions as well. You can climb the stairs in which Lincoln walked up and was carried down that fateful night and you can even go in to Baptist alley where Wilkes Booth exited the back of the stage when he ran away. Be sure to check out the Peterson boarding house across the street too!
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Traci D
New Jersey141 contributions
Must See
Apr 2022 • Family
Nicely laid out and well done. Kept our interest, as well as our kids. This is a quick hit museum, really an hour is all you need and the price was reasonable. Clean facilities and friendly employees.
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bbbulldog58
18 contributions
Ford's Theater a Must-see!
Apr 2022
Perhaps surprisingly, this is one of the best "museums" in the area. Well run, amazing displays with a sense of its true history. It's kind of cool that they still use it as theater despite diminishing the historical authenticity a bit. Compact enough so you can see plenty in 2-3 hours. Don't forget the Peterson home across the way where Pres. Lincoln died.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
cannonater
Salt Lake City, UT1,278 contributions
Can’t believe I was in this place.
May 2022 • Family
Immerse yourself in history for a few moments and feel a small bit of what happened feels like you were there. Very detailed tour guide and it moves quite quickly.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jo
Long Island, NY4 contributions
Dramatic Experience
Apr 2022 • Couples
Great historical attraction. Make sure to purchase timed entry tickets beforehand as they sell out quick each day. Museum exhibit is great before you enter the theatre. Well worth the trip to DC.
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ford's Theatre
Ford's Theatre is open:
  • Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Wed - Sun 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Ford's Theatre tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 18 Ford's Theatre tours on Tripadvisor