Ford's Theatre Society Review

Make sure you go and see a play here! We saw 'A Christmas Carol' and it was wonderful. The audio effects and special effects were superb! What made this even better was the history of Ford's Theatre. It's a very somber experience, soaking in all of the history of this theatre. But, it's so important to know and understand that history; our history. (Note: some of the balcony seats have an obstructed view due to the load-bearing pillars. You can look around them, but being in front of them is best.)

Museum is very interesting and to see artifacts from that day. They do a great job of walking you through the events of that day from both Lincoln and Booth.

This place is really cool. Just the history that is present in this place made it worth the visit. We were able to sit right next to the balcony where Lincoln was shot. I was really a once in a life time experience. The play that was being performed was Jeffersons Garden which was fantastic as well. I highly recommend a visit here. Even if your not seeing a play, visit for the mere fact of the history that the theater has to offer.

Great experience for my grandchildren. Good acting, stage design, special effects and signing. Lovely theater.

An important historical relic in the United States. President Lincoln was killed while being shot by an actor while watching a show here.

I wanted to go to Ford's theater for a while and when we did I had so much fun the museum was great, the theater was great, and where we sat was also pretty cool.

This is one of the best places to visit for a tour. I bought my tickets online ahead of time, although there were free tickets available when I arrived. I just didn't want to miss the opportunity of seeing it, in case it was busy. I also purchased the audio tour, which I always enjoy more than just reading the signs, especially when there are crowds of people involved. Luckily we had wonderful weather that day, so waiting outside for our tour time was pleasant. There was a class also in my time slot and they had a tour guide. My tour was self- guided. Entering was not ideal, as the entire crowd entered and rushed down the stairs to the exhibit, so I missed a few bits as I entered. It was crowded until the class left with the ranger and the crowd spread out. If possible it might be worth it to hang to the rear and wait for the crowd to disperse. There were a couple videos included from the History Channel that were worthwhile to watch. The exhibit covered Lincoln's family life as well as the war years and the day he was shot. I wasn't able to get through the entire exhibit before the play started, so after visiting the Peterson House I returned to see everything I missed. The box office issued me a new ticket, and it was no problem. The play was excellent and answered questions about what happened from the point of view of theater owner Ford and the actors. We exited the theater and went across the street to the Peterson House. A few people were allowed to enter at a time. If you sit at the back of the theater, you can get over there first. The house is set up so you can see where Mary Todd waited and where Lincoln died. After that, there are 4 floors of exhibits including the search for Lincoln's killers and Reconstruction. There are lots of artifacts in both exhibits at the theater and the house. Great for students and adults. I spent about 3 hours in total.

I was blown away by how knowledgeable and attentive the staff, volunteers, and park rangers were. This is the theater where president Lincoln was assassinated and they ve got a museum with the gun JWB used, the blood stained pillow from the gunshot wound, and many many other items. Tickets are required for entry but they re free. The tour also includes entrance to the theater itself, where they ve got the presidential booth maintained for viewing. Across the street is the Peterson House & is also included in the tour. An unconscious Lincoln was brought here where he spent his final moments before dying. They have preserved it and recreated the inside to look as close as possible to the real night from 1865. Very cool. Specifically, Rob Lorenz & Steve Miller were fantastic in their stories and friendliness.

Ford's Theater is certainly one of the historic places to visit in Washington. You need tickets to go inside but make sure you get the ones that include the talk in the theater itself. Our presenter played the sheriff the night Lincoln was shot. It was a wonderful presentation. Of course the museum in the theater and the Peterson House across the street are both fascinating. Many interesting facts that I didn't know. Takes about 2 hours but well worth the time.

It's a nice small theater but depending on where your seats are you may have a pole in front of you. I spent the entire play shifting left and right to see the actors as they moved across the stage.

Most of us know that Ford s theatre is famously the location of Abraham Lincoln s assassination. When I went to Washington DC, I had to go to Ford s Theatre. I took a quick tour of the theatre, and then I left. You can take a tour of the famous theatre, or you could watch a good play, or both. Comfortable seats, a lot of them. There is a snack bar near the front door of the theatre as well.

Wonderful. The efforts that they have made to keep things as they would have been at the time of the assassination is unbelievable. It creates a moving experience.

Met some girl named Nancy there one day while I was over, she was walking around ranting about maple syrup and naming everything after herself, it was really weird. Then she spilt the syrup ever and got kicked out. No idea why. 1/5

Shares many historical treasures. Very neat place to visit

I loved the play the wiz when I visited this location.

Excellent museum! Not just Lincoln's assassination, an overview of Lincoln' terms on office, the Civil War and his legacy. Great flow and very informative. Well worth a visit! While the Peterson House was closed, the Visitor and Information center across the street was also very well done. I spent about 2 1/2 hours on my tour.

The museum that is part of this attraction was especially good at not only housing artifacts of Lincoln's assassination but giving a full picture of the politics and people involved. It wasn't just John Wilkes Booth acting alone. It was a planned, combined effort of a group. The theater itself is still beautiful and still producing shows, which gave me mixed feelings. I am always in favor of a working stage theater, but it carries a strange feel knowing the deeply significant event that took place here. And if you go, DON'T FORGET to walk across the street to the Peterson House where Lincoln died. Your ticket pays for it and it is a continuation of the museum. The column of the 15,000 books on Lincoln is also a must see. Tickets were free and very worth it.

Great place to come if you're a history buff. See the theater pretty close to what it looked like the night Lincoln was shot. Free to get in, just have to come and pick up tickets. We had about a 40 min wait.

This place offered an excellent glimpse into the life of one of America's undisputed greatest presidents. I saw two of the museum's 4 main areas: the exhibit on Lincoln's life, which is in the theater basement, and the theater itself (which incidentally is still used for performances). So much care and attention to detail has gone in to designing this museum, right down to the various artifacts from Lincoln's life and presidency. The preservation of Lincoln's seat in the theater itself was especially moving. Most of all, I was very impressed with the staff, who clearly have a passion for sharing Lincoln's story. They were so knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. Plus, for the low low price of $0.00,you can't really go wrong!

A famous theatre full of history that changed America.

Went here in December 2017 to see the play A Christmas Carol. It was really good!!! The cast was great and the staff was friendly. They are not cell phone friendly however so be aware that you may be asked to leave if you are seen to be using it to take pictures or record.

For those who love history, visiting is a must. The theater is in incredible condition.

The tour was longer than I expected, but was very informative, they took donations for the tour, so be sure to bring cash, it will definitely be worth it to support preserving this history!

Nice museum in the basement, no fee, donations only! Theatre is a replica but very well done. Good Lincoln themed gift shop.

Definitely a blessing and honor to visit this historic site. The rangers are helpful to answer any questions and share facts and stories. Pres. Lincoln s legacy has been kept alive and it really moves you when you see the site. MAKE SURE you visit the house where Pres. Lincoln died right across the street.

3 stars for two reasons. First, it is a complete reproduction of the Ford Theater. The only thing original is the outside wall. Second, the lecture given by the staff was very dull. Most of the audience seemed to fall asleep. The material was informative but it was hard to stay attentive. I would say skip going in this stop if you are on a tight schedule.

Such a beautiful and elegant theater. Brings history to life!

Well done display to commemorate Lincoln's steps from getting to the White House and then explaining how he handled his team of rivals (cabinet) and the war. The museum also shows a ton of artifacts along with neat replicas of Lincoln items. The tracing of his foot steps on the day of his death along with Booth's steps was really facinating. I highly recommend you add this to your DC visit.

Good museum get tickets online if you want to be part of early groups. Tickets are free but are used for keeping tour sizes reasonable

Outstanding place and saw the play.one destiny. It was exceptional

Wonderful experience. Fantastic historical venue but the speaker on stage was incredibly dull & monotonous. He has a lot to work with & really messed up his presentation. If anyone can make our 16th President's history dull, it was him.

i hated this place because this is where Bernie sanders died and i don't like having to deal with death

You can't just sit anywhere and have a good view of the stage

The wait to go in is too long. We had tickets. Interesting information but I would have gotten more out of seeing a documentary instead of spending 3 hours with wait time...

The staff is helpful and friendly!! When you first walk in its a bit confusing because the map of which way to go is not in an area to see at first. However, the great thing is you can walk around at your own pace and enjoy learning about the history. The theater is really a nice place and it was interesting seeing the layout of where the President was seated.

The nice thing about this is it is free. Unfortunately, nothing in the theater is original. There is no video just a ranger talking about the events of this day.

Terrible just two guys talking last time an actor of abraham Lincoln was up in the booth and some body fired a blank and jumped out of the booth

Great staff here! We had a good experience and able to ask many questions. The cost is 5 to 8 dollars. It is common to wait in long lines here.

Great small setting and very intimate. Wonderful cast as we saw a Christmas Carol during the holidays. The intermission was very short so be quick if you need to use the bathroom or need a snack.

Ford's Theatre is just so magnificent and gorgeous and really a can't miss spot while in DC.

It's a small theater to be sure. Cozy is the word. The staff are all nice and the players are all pros. Good job. I'll definitely be back.

Interesting place. The museum tour is at your own pace which is great.

Matinee prevwnted us from taking the tour - website does not indicate this unless you click on buy the tickets and it tells you then that no tours during Matinee performance- tell us other folks that the tours are suspended when there ia a performance.

Quite the mindblowing experience getting to tour this place. You can really feel the history there all the way to the back of your head. They also seem to still host performances, I've heard the experience is banger. In all, people have definitely had their mind blown away at this theater.

Fabulous rendition of "A Christmas Carol." Good D.C. souvenirs inside & @ another store across the street.

Unfortunately the day we were here they were closed for remodeling. We were told to came back Saturday, but the government shut-down and we didn't get to go. Park rangers and volunteers there were nice and helpful.

Great experience. Very interesting to see it in real life. I recommend.

We sat through a discussion by a parks and rec person that was fantastic

This a historic and must visit location. The feeling while your there is impossible to explain. The museum is small, but the artifacts they have are amazing. Must visit if you are in D.C.

Very eerie feeling as you explore where President Lincoln was shot. The theatre is still in operation, sometimes closed to tourists for performance rehearsals.
There is quite an exhibit underneath the theatre that is entertaining if you spend some time within.
Also be sure to check out the house across the street; this is where Lincoln would come to take his final breaths early the morning after being shot.

A buddy of mine got shot here a while back. Cool plays but wouldn t recommend.

Visited Ford's Theatre this past weekend. I didn't enjoy the museum portion of the tour at all. I wasn't looking for a history of the Lincoln's troubles in the Civil War. I completely enjoyed the presentation from the Ranger in the theatre itself. The presentations gave me the information I was looking for during my visit: a history of the theatre and explanation of Lincoln's death.

Amazing history. Not a long presentation but beautifully done and chills as you reenact the events of that fateful night.

Gear experience. Wish the Peterson house would have been open

Had the pleasure to watch the performance of "Twelve Angry Men". It was an outstanding opportunity to watch these actors.

Excellent museum !!! But VERY disappointed that we weren't allowed in to the actual theater because a "rehearsal" was going on ??!!?? I understand that it is still a working theater but during the day at least, the theater should ALWAYS be open to the public...rehearsals could easily be conducted elsewhere, i.e., a local high school perhaps..

Great piece of American History! A must see for anyone in DC.

What a surreal place to see! I have been there a few times. Just to sit there, listening to the wonderful presentation, and to look around and imagine, exactly what happened that night so long ago.

Great place to bring your whole family! It is really close to so many places, plan a whole day of fun! The museum below is really incredible too!

In depth learning experience, a must for anyone visiting D.C.

It was a thrill to see "A Christmas Carol" at the theater. The actors were exceptional. The sound was very clear. My one wish was to have had a better seat. In the side balcony, I missed a good deal of the stage activity.

Well Lincoln got shot there I went looking for Clues but seriously if you're a history buff you got to stop there when in Washington

The history of this place and the museum inside was worth the stop. I would have skipped the house across the street, but if you want more then their is a whole additional Museum their to explore.