Historic Site Visit Guidelines

Open Wednesday-Monday; Advance Tickets Recommended
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Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service begin a phased reopening on May 12, 2021. Advance tickets are recommended. The museum and theatre are currently open six days a week; closed only on Tuesdays.

Site Status: We are open six days a week during our current level of reopening; closed only on Tuesdays. Only the museum and theatre are open; the Petersen House and Aftermath Exhibits remain closed.

Advance tickets are recommended. We charge a $3 fee to reserve tickets in advance. All patrons regardless of age must have a ticket.

Masks: All visitors age 3+ must wear a mask.

If you are sick: Stay home if you are ill or have knowingly been in the vicinity of someone diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. You can reschedule your ticket for another day by emailing boxoffice@fords.org or call (888) 616-0270.

Arrival Time: Entry lines for ticket holders begin outside. We suggest arriving no more than 10 minutes in advance.

Social-Distancing: Visitors must maintain 6 feet of distance from other parties. Visitors must follow the designated one-way path through the site.

Audio Guides: Acoustiguide audio tours are available for the museum and theatre. $5.00

Dress for the weather: Our entry lines begin outdoors year-round, so be sure to check the weather before you arrive.

Travel light: Ford's Theatre does not have a coat check. For safety reasons, we do not permit luggage and oversized bags on site, nor do we offer storage locations.

Food and Drink: Water fountains are unavailable on site during the COVID-19 public health emergency

Restrooms: Restrooms are available in both the theatre lobby and the museum. Occupancy limits will be in place as well as increased cleaning measures.

Strollers: Strollers have access to the museum and theatre.

Visitors in Costume: Ford’s Theatre does not permit third-party representation of historic figures in period clothing on site.

Weapons of any type are banned from the premises. The following items are also NOT PERMITTED at Ford’s Theatre.

  • tripods
  • monopods
  • guns
  • weapons
  • toy weapons
  • laser pointers
  • knives
  • pen knives
  • pets
  • food and drinks (bottled water is allowed)
  • scissors
  • aerosol cans, including pepper spray and Mace
  • tools
  • smoking
  • placards, signs or banners