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Ford's Theatre

511 10th St NW, Washington, DC · Washington, DC

Why you should go…

This working theatre is where history stopped on April 14, 1865, see the presidential box, the museum's Lincoln artifacts, and the Petersen House across 10th Street where the president died. Come back after dark, too: the stage still hosts live productions.

  • #lincoln
  • #historic site
  • #live theatre
  • #museum

Good to know

General theatre & events guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Curtain time is firm

    Latecomers are commonly held at the back until a scene break, so build in a buffer.

  • Study the seating chart

    Price and sightline vary a lot within the same house. A few rows back can be the better seat.

  • Rush and lottery seats exist

    Many venues release same-day tickets at a discount if you are flexible about where you sit.

  • Arrive with time to spare

    Parking, bag check, and finding your row all take longer than you think on a full house.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Ford's Theatre, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Iconic

    National Archives Museum

    Free

    Stand before the originals: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights in the marble Rotunda.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

    Free

    The Hope Diamond, the Nation's T. rex, and Henry the elephant, the Mall's busiest free museum packs the whole natural world under one green dome.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Smithsonian National Museum of American History

    Free

    Dorothy's ruby slippers, the actual Star-Spangled Banner, and Julia Child's kitchen, America's attic, free on the National Mall.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    National Gallery of Art

    Free

    Da Vinci, Vermeer, and the Impressionists for free, plus a sculpture garden that becomes an ice rink in winter.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Theatre & Events
    Date Night

    Toby's Dinner Theatre

    $50+

    An in-the-round dinner theatre in Columbia serving a full meal alongside professional musical productions.

    23 mi awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    Local Gem

    Weinberg Center for the Arts

    $25–$50

    Restored 1,143-seat 1920s movie palace in downtown Frederick hosting concerts, comedy, dance and film.

    41 mi awayMore like this