Petersen House, Washington: Photos, Reviews & Location

Preserved 1900s guest house where Abraham Lincoln died after being shot at Ford's Theater, opposite.

At a glance

#140 of 255 Tourist attractions in Washington #13 of 23 Historical places in Washington

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.61

0.1 km from the center of Washington

Rating breakdown

5 ★73%
4 ★18%
3 ★4%
2 ★3%
1 ★2%

516 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States

fords.org

+1 202-347-4833

Photos of Petersen House (198)

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Quick facts

What is the rating of Petersen House?: Petersen House is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 433 reviews.
How does Petersen House rank in Washington?: Petersen House is #140 of 255 Tourist attractions in Washington by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Petersen House located?: 516 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States — 0.1 km from the center of Washington.
How can I contact Petersen House?: Phone: +1 202-347-4833 · Website: fords.org

Reviews (14)

James 2023 Dec 02

Across the street from Ford's Theater, this is where Abraham Lincoln was brought after he was shot. Today, it is included in the ticket to see the Ford's Theatre museum, so one can head here right after the museum.

It is a very cool building, where one starts in the room where Abraham Lincoln had his final breath, before taking an elevator to learn about the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination.

One of the most amazing things is the tower of books about Abraham Lincoln in the center of a spiral staircase to represent the long-term impact of his presidency. It is 4 stories tall and a marvel to walk around when one descends to exit into the gift store.

Kathryn Hatfield 2023 Nov 23

Visiting this place is part of your ticket to Ford's Theater across the road. It's timed entry though it was pretty loose in terms of who lined up when, on the day we went. It's incredibly moving to see the exact location where Lincoln died and to imagine the events of that tragic evening.

There are other exhibits linked to this - you go up in an elevator after visiting the house - they're interesting but reasonably dated in terms of layout and presentation, and on the day we visited (November 2023) many items were removed for preservation. It looks like this part of the museum is being updated so I'm confident it will be improved in the near future. Still worth your time.

Lisa S 2023 Nov 23

This museum is directly across from the Ford Theater where Lincoln was shot. The first floor is where Lincoln finally passed, and the upper floors (starting from the 4th floor down) are dedicated to all historical facts and memorabilia. Even though this museum is free, you need to go to the Ford Theater to get a timed ticket to enter. The staff, including the one stationed at the museum, is friendly and very knowledgeable about that period in American history. This museum is a definite must-see while visiting DC. Also, be sure to check out the cute gift shop before leaving the exhibit.

Simon Kingsnorth 2023 Oct 30

Fascinating visit to the site of Abraham Lincoln’s death. The rooms have been well refurbished and, although the furniture and decoration is not original, they’ve done a great job of replicating it. The attached museum is excellent. Staff very friendly and nice people.

Nils Paellmann 2023 Oct 09

The house where Abraham Lincoln died after his assassination at the Ford Theater across the street. Very informative exhibits and very helpful Park rangers.

Anthony R 2023 Aug 26

The Petersen House is right across from the Ford Theater and is where Lincoln died the next morning from the assionation attempt. Aside from seeing all the rooms where Lincoln spent his final moments, there are a few floors of history storyline involved once you get up to the forth floor, then work your way down. This was an excellent experience and highly recommended.

Hannah 2023 Jul 12

If you visit Ford’s Theater, you can’t miss the Petersen House right across the street. Admission is included in the cost to see the theater as well as a Lincoln related museum. (If I remember right - there were lots of options of combinations of which things were included in the tickets, so read carefully and make sure you get to see it all. We went I. June of 2022.) After going to the theater itself, you can take your time and go into the Petersen House whenever you’re ready. Your timed theater ticket will let you into the house as well.

Chrystal Carroll 2023 Jun 16

Most of the items that we wanted to see were removed when we walked through. Even though that’s disappointing, it was still a wonderful experience.

Selma Nanette Bustos 2023 Apr 06

After you visit Ford Theatre, across is Petersen house where President Lincoln passed. Need tickets to enter so across the street at Ford's Theater and you may have to wait in line. The staffs were very friendly and knowledgeable on this tragedy of our 12th president. There are 3 rooms on the first where it took place. Then on the upper floors a museum full of historical facts.

Anisa Glowczak 2023 Feb 12

Wow, the history here! Nice historic home and definitely worth the wait to get in to see the room where President Lincoln was brought after being shot, and died.

Moving on with Old Man River Old man river 2023 Feb 06

After touring the Ford Theater we walked across the street to the house where Lincoln died. The house has an elevator to the 4th floor to start the tour. It's part of the Ford Theater National Park system
The Ford ticket gets you into both. I suggest you go in the off season as not so many people.

Antonio Perez Coss 2022 Nov 09

The Petersen House should be the “mandatory” next stop after the Ford Theater museum. The House where the President Lincoln died is also a very moving experience. They have preserved most of the items and decoration of those days and even when they do not offer a personalized tour; by walking through the rooms and reading the sign you can get a lot of information (in my opinion, having a tour will define you enrich the experience)
This place combines the solemnly of history with modern upgrades that makes it great!

Aziz A Khetani 2022 Oct 09

After you visit Ford Theatre, you come across and learn about where it great President Lincoln passed. You end the visit at the shop. Takes about 30 to 45 minutes to go through.

Victoria O'Tool 2022 Jul 14

This was a neat last stop on the Ford’s Theatre tour, and I didn’t know this building was part of the tour.

I’m not sure if the Peterson House has their own tours that aren’t associated with Ford’s Theatre, but this is included in the Ford’s Theatre Tour!

It was really neat to see where Lincoln died, and the museum was small and informative. I would recommend seeing the Peterson house if you’re interested in Lincoln.