Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Petersen House

    4.5 (73 reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    The Petersen House Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Petersen House

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    tower of books on Abraham Lincoln!
    Christine M.

    we enjoyed the walking tour of Abraham Lincoln, the Ford Theater and coming to see how small the Petersen house was but to walk through history pretty cool. Lots of field trips! Which i do think is great not sure they are really getting it at 13-15, think 10yr olds would appreciate it more. Unless they have a project they are working on to really get into it. It's not a long tour but worth seeing!

    Cody S.

    Pretty cool piece of history. Directly across the street from ford theater where the shot happened. Still preserved the way it was the night it happened. It's definitely worth seeing. Depending on what theater package to buy it comes with it as well! Worth doing along with the theater tour, but by itself it's a little dull. Just basically walking through a hallway and a bedroom, still worth it, just don't be too hipped!

    Nick P.

    Abraham Lincoln was shot at the theatre and brought here where he died. The ticket I bought online for Ford's Theatre also included the Peterson House. Be sure to check the details before buying. The ranger gives a little detail and lets small groups at a time. It's a very short tour. Be sure to check out the tower of books all based on Lincoln.

    Julie S.

    The actual home is small, you can view 2 rooms -- the waiting room and the replica of the bed where Lincoln dies. The actual bed is in Chicago... But the museum/exhibit next door has a lot of information about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth and the famous stack of Lincoln books.

    Outside
    Kevin B.

    This is a must-see if you're visiting Ford's Theater as it completes the story of what happened on the night that President Lincoln was assassinated. Lincoln was brought here after he was shot and he died in this home. You can tour the house, which is only a few rooms, and see the room and bed where Lincoln died. There is also a museum attached to it that goes into detail about the hunt for Booth and the aftermath of the assassination, which was fascinating to read. This is an essential place to visit for American history enthusiasts and I would highly recommend coming here.

    Parlor
    Steve A.

    Good place after a Ford's Theater experience. It's included in the admission price. The Petersen House is where Lincoln died the day after being shot. Lots more information throughout here. You need to make sure you have the ticket. If you're going to Ford's Theater to learn about Lincoln, you also need to come here. It's where Lincoln was taken so he could pass away peacefully. The bedroom he died on is open for the public. Also there's two other bedrooms. The actual bed he died on isn't here though. In the museum are exhibits about the aftermath. These describe the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth, his capture, and how the country mourned. Keep in mind the theater hours. If you want a tour of the theater you might have to go in the morning. The house and theater aren't always included together.

    Marlon T.

    Abraham Lincoln died in this home. You can see the room/bed where he died. It's kinda weird, interesting, and sad all at the same time. Admission is free, you just need to grab a ticket from Ford's museum across the street. Rest in peace to this American statesman!

    11.23.18  across the street from Ford's Theatre
    May A.

    Good visit... I wasn't disappointed After our visit inside the historic Ford's theatre where President Lincoln was assassinated, we headed outside to see the house where Lincoln died. The house is located just across the street from the theatre. This is a small home and tours inside can accommodate about 15 guests at a time. It was included with our purchase of the Historic Site ticket. Our self-guided tour took about 15 mins inside. We couldn't really roam around the house, basically moving in a line to see the interior of the home and where President Lincoln was brought after he was shot and eventually died here the next morning. The Petersen House is also maintained by the National Park Service. Collect your National Park Passport stamp inside the Ford's Theatre at the Box Office. The house is remarkably maintained considering how much foot traffic from visitors and tourists it gets. Actually, we were fortunate to be able to enter the house during our visit because it had just reopened in June this year from a 6-month closure and it will be closed again in January-February 2019 for continued preservation work. It was an eye-opening experience for me to see the room in which he died in and further deepened my understanding of President Lincoln's assassination. We then visited the connecting building which was the Center for Education and Leadership. The exhibits explored the assassination aftermath and President Lincoln's legacy. I had a great experience and is a must-see when in DC. This is included with our $3/person admission fee. Review #1198

    The Petersen House - The House Where Lincoln Died sign.
    Marilu F.

    A ticket to Ford's Theatre will also grant you access to The Petersen House across the street. The Petersen House, simply put, is where Abraham Lincoln was taken after he was fatally shot on April 14, 1865, and died the morning after. A small abode, Lincoln was taken to a room, where he was attended as best as he could be. Many people came in and out, paying their last respects to the president and hoping for some sort of miracle, but Lincoln never awoke from his unconsciousness and instead went onto the next world. Today this house is well preserved. The rooms have been left as close to the original house as possible, and aside from lights and air conditioner, it is essentially the same as in the old times. Walking into this house, you are experiencing history. You will also be unaccustomed to the lack of space or at the very least I was. Times have certainly changed. At any rate, once you leave the area spent his last dying breath in, you can walk across and be connected to another section full of what happened after. Something to note that is impressing about this section: they have a tower of all the books written on Lincoln ever. That being said, there isn't much else to say; it is your typical museum, gift shop and all.

    Pam D.

    Petersen House...the house where President Lincoln died, located right across from Ford's Theatre. (It's now a museum.) A tour explaining Lincoln's assassination isn't complete without seeing this place. Go to Ford's Theatre first though!

    Dani C.

    "He Now Belongs to the Ages" - Secretary of War Edwin Stanton On April 14, 1865, after Booth shot President Lincoln at Ford's Theatre, Lincoln was carried into the Petersen boarding house across the street. The doctor at Lincoln's bedside updated the crowd each hour on the president's condition. Physicians continually removed blood clots which formed over the wound and poured out the excess brain fluid and brain matter from where the bullet had entered Lincoln's head in order to relieve pressure on the brain. However, the external and internal hemorrhaging continued throughout the night. His final update came at 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865: the president had died (age 56). During the president's final hours, he was surrounded by his wife and son, and various U.S. government officials. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton turned one of the rooms into an interrogation area, interviewing witnesses about what happened inside the theatre. After the Presidents passing, his body was placed in a temporary coffin covered with an American flag, and returned by hearse to the White House, accompanied by a cavalry escort. Booth was located in Virginia 11 days later and was shot by Union forces, dying two hours later. The Petersen home was purchased by the U.S. government in 1896 for $30,000.

    Andy V.

    What a cool find! With your admission to Ford's Theater you're also able to walk across the street and enter the Peterson House, the home where Lincoln was transported to after being shot at Ford's Theater and later died. First, the ticket to Ford's theater which again includes this museum was $5. You cannot beat two museums which such historical value for that price. Anyway, when I walked in I was greeted by an elderly gentleman who told me about the home. He kind of talked my ear off which was fine because I wasn't in a rush and I could tell he enjoyed being a history nerd. He showed me where Mary Todd Lincoln would sit and weep, scream even, for hours and then try to see Lincoln to check on his condition. He also let me know that the house is pretty much is in the original condition as to when Lincoln was there- of course electricity was added so lighting was updated. You can see the bed where he died which was very surreal. After that you take an elevator up to four, why, I kept thinking and then I realize there is another entire museum dedicated to Lincoln! So much stuff, from the manhunt of John Wilkes Booth to Lincoln's legacy in popular culture- it was totally amazing. Between this and Ford's Theater, I could have stayed all day. The monument of books on Lincoln is cool too. It shows his impact on our country for sure. Do yourself a favor and check this out! You will love it, and honestly, if you don't- you spent $5.

    Kathleen D.

    Keep your ticket in hand after Ford's Theatre and safely cross the street to the house where Abraham Lincoln passed away for free entry and more compelling history. The actual bed where Lincoln died is on display in Chicago, but there's a replica bed available to view if you're into that type of thing. There's also interactive exhibits to peak your interest and learn more about the events that led to the assassination. It won't take as long to walk through this home, but it's worth a visit for sure.

    There are over 15,000 books currently in print about the 16th president with more being written everyday.

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 30
    Thanks 6
    Love this 17
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Steve A.
    4748
    5576
    8499

    7 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 14
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marlon T.
    1394
    3882
    10504

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 43
    Thanks 0
    Love this 41
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marie S.
    6
    308
    627

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lynne B.
    15
    339
    29

    2 years ago

    Quick little tour but goes a long well with the Ford Theatre tour. Definitely check it out to complete that story.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marilu F.
    1068
    1741
    9358

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pam D.
    10
    266
    3342

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dani C.
    289
    287
    3360

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andy V.
    1493
    2177
    10963

    11 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Daniel S.
    1439
    1689
    13782

    11 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paisley T.
    932
    1168
    14983

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Danny N.
    2653
    2232
    123036

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kris L.
    383
    975
    1267

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bloss C.
    869
    1453
    3662

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Linda R.
    23
    67
    44

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mac O.
    660
    1048
    2377

    15 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 15
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Julie D.
    380
    1236
    1677

    14 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Petersen House

    Review Highlights - The Petersen House

    Right next to Ford's Theater stands the location where Abraham Lincoln was taken following his assassination.

    Mentioned in 38 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Museums 5,218 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Old Post Office Tower

    Old Post Office Tower

    4.4(49 reviews)
    0.2 miFederal Triangle

    A free and excellent view of Downtown Washington DC can be viewed from the Old Post Office and…read moreClock Tower, which is the 3rd tallest structure in DC. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it was completed in 1899. This is attached to the (now) Waldorf Astoria, however the Tower is manned by the National Parks Service. The entrance is in the back of the hotel, and the elevator looks out into the hotel's atrium. When you reach the open air top floor, you'll look out for a 360 degree view. One lonely park ranger is up there, and they are there year-round. When we visited, it was completely empty and we had the space to ourselves (and the ranger).

    Actual rating: 3.5/5…read more Ok so in fairness, I have never cared for panoramic views. I came here with my friends on a day trip to DC after seeing a post about this place on social media. The entrance to the this place to see the views is incredibly tricky to access. The Waldorf took over and shut down the way to access through the building so you'll have to walk around and find the nearly completely hidden from street view entrance. For ease, I have linked the approximate location from Apple Maps below. There is a small historic background museum when you enter following the bag search and this is part of the National Parks stamping service so if you collect those speak with the nice ranger on duty. There are two elevators to travel to get to the top, the first takes you up to see views of the Astoria and the second will show you the rooftop from the Old Post Office Tower. This view is obscured by bars that make photography challenging. Would I, who does not like views, come again? No. But!!! If you are into views this is quite nice and free so I would recommend.

    Photos
    Old Post Office Tower - Clock tower and atrium

    Clock tower and atrium

    Old Post Office Tower
    Old Post Office Tower

    See all

    National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

    National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

    4.5(29 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    This is a low-key memorial that is dedicated to the brave men and women of law enforcement who have…read moremade the ultimate sacrifice. There is metered street parking within a reasonable walking distance. It is right across the street from the Law Enforcement Museum and the DC Court of Appeals. On the other side of the memorial, you will find the Building Museum. The memorial was designed by architect Davis Buckley and dedicated on October 15, 1991. It sits on three acres of federal park land. It has a water feature. However, it was dry during my visit. I looked like they were doing some maintenance on it. The Memorial also features two curving limestone walls along its perimeter, each over 300 feet long, with the names of more than 24,000 officers who died in the line of duty etched on them. The walls are a part of the memorial, along with a line of trees, called "pathways of remembrance". You will find a pathway on each side of the memorial, and each entrance is marked by a powerful statuary grouping of an adult lion protecting its cubs. The sculptures are the work of Raymond Kaskey. They symbolize the protective role of law enforcement officers and convey the strength, courage, and valor that are hallmarks of those who serve and protect. The people being honored date back to the first known death in 1786. The memorial is ever-changing. New names of fallen officers are added to it each spring, in conjunction with National Police Week. I did not see much seating at the memorial, but this place is not a park. It is meant to honor. It does have a peaceful effect, even with the Metro elevator right in the middle. This is not a destination spot, but it is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

    I visited a lot of law enforcement museums, and this is the best one I have ever been so far. This…read moreis not a free museum, but it worth the money you spent. They offers law enforcement and student discount tickets. Security and staff were very friendly. My favorite were the use of force demonstration and driving stimulator that visitors can experiences how police officers handle certain situations. There was an instructor, who had 30+ years experience coaching us throughout the experience. I enjoyed that a lot. I will come back again if I happened to be in town.

    Photos
    National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
    National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
    National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

    See all

    Lincoln Memorial - View from the top

    Lincoln Memorial

    4.8(1.3k reviews)
    1.1 mi

    BLUF: The beloved Lincoln Memorial is even more of a show stopper with the addition of exhibits, a…read moregift shop and restrooms in the undercroft. Of all the times I've stood at the base of the Lincoln Memorial, I've never once wondered what lay beneath it. Like everyone else, I was focused on climbing the iconic steps to see President Lincoln. But after more than a century, visitors can now explore what has been hidden below all along. Known as the undercroft, it's essentially the memorial's basement or a massive structural space built to support the monument above. Its 65-foot-tall concrete columns were engineered to keep the memorial standing firm on the soft, swampy ground near the Potomac River. Today, the undercroft features a film, exhibits, restrooms, and a gift shop, but the real showstopper is the opportunity to look through glass panels and see the monument's enormous structural supports up close. It's a fascinating reminder of the hidden infrastructure of DC. The exhibits were neat and included features on what it took to design and build the memorial as well as the various historic events that have taken place there. I also liked the exhibit that debunked myths about the statue of Lincoln. There are only a handful or so of exhibits but they are all well curated. There is also a brief film, currently more of a teaser for a film coming in 2027, about Lincoln and the monument. But still, it is the views into the undercroft that have me in awe. The Lincoln Memorial is probably one of the most visited sites in DC. For a little more peace, consider visiting in the evening or early morning. Popular activities here include sitting on the steps to enjoy the views of the reflecting pool and Washington monument as well as posing for photos with the Washington Monument in the background. There isn't an easy way to get to the Lincoln Memorial. Because parking is limited and the closest metro stop is probably a mile away, it's best reached via walking or as part of a tour that will drop you off at the site. Many people rent scooters and bikes but I am fuzzy on whether or not those are actually allowed on the sidewalks in this part of town and I don't think it's safe to ride in the street. Plus, if there are crowds, you won't be able to ride through them anyway. Definitely no riding anything on wheels within the monument sites.

    Happy Juneteenth, 2026!…read more Do you believe that all people should be treated equally? If half of the people who lived in our country believed your perspective was wrong, would you still stand up for what you believe? Would you be willing to put the entirety of your reputation or even your life on the line for something you strongly believe, like the right to freedom or equality? The belief that black people should have these rights too was strongly advocated by Abraham Lincoln, clearly showing his high ethical character. When I was a little boy, I read a small children's book about Abraham Lincoln. This book provided several interesting facts, like that Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin in Kentucky (which was actually really small), and that he was self-educated. Information like this really inspired me as a young boy because it showed me that even a man that did not inherit wealth or a prestigious family status, like me, could become a great man if he was self motivated and had a respectable work ethic. This little book also explained how Abraham Lincoln was instrumental in freeing the slaves in America, something I could not really understand as a young boy. Although this country still has a lot to accomplish before attaining complete equality, we certainly would not have made the great strides that we have made without Abraham Lincoln's direction, and Juneteenth would not even exist. It amazes me to think how hard Abraham Lincoln had to work to lead this country toward racial equality. If you would like a great reference on this, please see the movie "Lincoln," made by Steven Spielberg in 2012. One thing that is surprising to me is how long it takes society to embrace a direction that the government leads, like equality. Consider this: Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have A Dream" speech from these very steps, at the Lincoln Memorial, one hundred years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Martin Luther King Jr. was clearly addressing the social and legal biases that still existed against black people, over one hundred years later. One of the things I've learned about equality and discrimination is that someone does not truly appreciate equality until they have been treated unequally, and someone does not truly understand discrimination until they have been discriminated against. Most people would look at me, me being a white male, and ask me 'what could you possibly know about experiencing inequality and discrimination?' Unfortunately, a few different types of inequality and discrimination still exist in this country, one of which is focused on parental rights. And, most people would ask me this question because they are oblivious to the discrimination and inequality that most fathers experience after divorce. There is nothing worse than having your own children taken from you when you know that you are a loving parent who is also an intelligent, ethical, honorable, and admirable individual as a role model for your children. Sadly, the U.S. legal system and society as a whole still treat fathers as inferior to mothers, simply because of their gender. That is not only discrimination, but that is also a blatant inequality that STILL exists in this country. It is perplexing to me to think how much this country has strived for equality, and 250 years later, we still have a blatant inequality and discrimination against fathers at a governmental and societal level. (Reference: If you want more information and clarity, watch "The Red Pill," a 2016 documentary.) So, in addition to the ongoing racial inequalities, this is just ONE of the many other inequalities that unfortunately still persists in this country. In conclusion, I'm incredibly happy that the Lincoln Memorial was created, in 1922. I'm also happy that I was finally able to visit this memorial for the first time in my life this year, and show my respects for one of the greatest presidents this country has ever had. The Lincoln Memorial is a wonderful reminder of Abraham Lincoln's strive for racial equality, as well as a beautiful example of the way that the U.S. government and everyone in society should treat ALL PEOPLE -- equally.

    Photos
    Lincoln Memorial - Truth and Intention walked into a bar...
 "Welcome fellas, Whata ya have ? 
 Today's special is Metaphor on the rocks... "

    Truth and Intention walked into a bar... "Welcome fellas, Whata ya have ? Today's special is Metaphor on the rocks... "

    Lincoln Memorial - Lincoln Memorial

    Lincoln Memorial

    Lincoln Memorial - Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible.
    -M. C. Escher

    See all

    Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible. -M. C. Escher

    Executive Office of the President

    Executive Office of the President

    4.5(2 reviews)
    0.7 miFoggy Bottom

    What's prettier than the White House, the Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian put…read moretogether? Yes, Ariana Grande is a good answer, but I was looking for the Executive Office on 17th St! A long time ago, the love of my life used to say that this building was the highlight of her trips to DC, and I can see why. I remember walking with her in the pouring rain next to it, and taking pictures of her exposing herself in front of it. Times change... But this building never did. It's glorious and resplendent. It reminds me of something in France, but better kept, perhaps. It looks palatial. If the White House is a little underwhelming then this executive office is completely awe-inspiring. It's level with the Capitol as my favourite building in the DC area, and is the easiest 5-star rating I've given since my Cousin Daniel got drunk and showed me the ropes.

    Didn't really have a lot of time to roam around Pennsylvania Ave. And my friend and I, being…read moreslightly less than ignorant didn't know that the BACK of the WHITE HOUSE would be on Pennsylvania Ave. ** Not impressed** So our pictures we're not exactly anythng to brag about. So we decided to take pictures in front of the Executive Office of the President where the FRONT of this architecture was much more impressive than the BACK of the White House on Pennsylvania Ave. Still a great experience to roam DC and take in the history and political side of the US. (You don't get much of that or appreciate it as much coming from the west coast. Hence, the ignorance of the FRONT vs the BACK of the WHITE HOUSE. =X)

    Photos
    Executive Office of the President
    Executive Office of the President
    Executive Office of the President

    See all

    The Petersen House - museums - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...