From Rachel Cooper,
Your Guide to Washington, DC.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Renovation Update: Ford's Theatre, a historical landmark in Washington, DC dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln, is planning a multimillion-dollar expansion that will give visitors the opportunity to learn more about Abraham Lincoln's life and his presidency. The project will include the addition of a state-of-the-art education center directly across the street from the theater. Six buildings on both sides of 10th Street NW will be linked together to provide a modern museum. The historic Ford’s theater will be renovated to include a new lobby with a cafe and gift shop. The theater closed for renovations in August 2007. It is expected to reopen in February 2009. The new education center is projected to be completed in 2010.

Visiting Ford's Theatre

The historic Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, is a national historic landmark and also functions as a live theater. Visitors can enjoy a short talk by a National Park guide and learn the fascinating story of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. On the second floor of Ford's Theatre, you can see the boxseat where Lincoln was sitting when he was killed. On the lower level, the Ford's Theatre Museum displays exhibits about Lincoln’s life and explains the circumstances of his tragic death. There is also a bookshop with a nice selection of historical books and gifts.

Address:
10th and E Streets, NW
Washington, DC
See a map of Penn Quarter

Hours:
The museum is open daily from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. except Christmas Day. The theater produces five performances per year

Official Website:
www.fordstheater.org