Description
History
The Ford's Theatre in Washington not only attracts theatre enthusiasts. It is a historic landmark as well: In April 1865 the then-President Abraham Lincoln was shot during a performance.
The museum
Therefore the theatre also accommodates a museum that is dedicated to Lincoln's presidency and the assassination. With the help of videos, three-dimensional figures and environmental recreations, visitors experience 19th -century Washington. The exhibits shows Lincoln's arrival in Washington, his actions during the Civil War and his assassination. Part of the collection is for example the pistol John Wilkes Booth used to shoot the President and the clothes Lincoln wore during this night.
Petersen House
When you visit the museum, you can also gain entrance to Petersen House opposite the museum. After being shot, Lincoln was brought here and died several hours later. Visitors can see how the rooms looked like back then and get to know more about this fateful night. Enclosed you can enter the Center for Education and Leadership where the exhibition continues by telling the aftermath of the assassination and depicting the legacy of President Lincoln.
How to get there
By public transport:
Ford's Theatre is close to the following metro stops:
- Metro Center: Red, Blue and Orange lines (11th street exit)
- Gallery Place: Red, Green and Yellow lines (G street exit)
- Archives/Navy Memorial: Yellow and Green lines (Pennsylvania Avenue exit)
By car:
If you travel by car, you can park in the following garages:
- Central Parking: 950 F Street, NW; entrance on 10th Street; elevator directly to theatre lobby
- Colonial Parking: 555 11th Street, NW; entrance on 11th Street between E and F
- QuikPark: 1001 G Street, NW; entrance on 10th Street