Ford's Theatre

A working theatre, historical monument, world-class museum and learning center, Ford’s Theatre is the premier destination in Washington, D.C., to explore and celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s ideals and leadership principles: courage, integrity, tolerance, equality and creative expression. On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln visited Ford’s and was shot by John Wilkes Booth; he died the next morning in the Petersen House, a boarding house located across the street. Ford’s Theatre remained closed for more than 100 years. The stately downtown D.C. building officially reopened in 1968 as a national historic site and working theatre.