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Go inside the historic theatre and learn about the night of the assassination.

On the night of April 14, 1865, actor and Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth sneaked into the Presidential Box and shot President Abraham Lincoln. Today, the theatre looks very much the way it did that fateful night. The President's Box is decorated with an American flag and a portrait of President George Washington, just as it was in 1865.

Tips for Your Visit
  • The interior of the President’s Box is closed to the public to protect it from damage.
  • The theatre orchestra is currently closed. The balcony is open for self-guided walk-throughs.
  • A ranger will be present to answer questions.

Virtual Tour of Ford's Theatre

Go on a virtual tour of Ford’s Theatre. See inside the Presidential Box and learn more about the events of April 14, 1865.

Explore

Theatre Offerings

Theatre offerings vary based on time of entry.

History Talk

Offered year-round

National Park Service rangers are on hand to answer questions and explain the events surrounding Lincoln's assassination. No formal ranger talks will be scheduled during this reopening phase.

Theatre Walkthrough

Offered year-round

See the theatre on a self-guided tour and look at the President's Box from the balcony.

One Destiny Play

Spring-Summer

See a 30-minute play that tells the story of the assassination through the eyes of the people who worked at Ford's Theatre in 1865. Tickets are an additional $5.

Plan Your Visit

Tips to help you plan your visit.

From the Blog

Ford’s Theatre as a Site of Tragedy

From The Blog

Professor of Geography at the University of Connecticut Kenneth Foote, and author of Shadowed Ground, discusses the context of places that have been involved…