Visit President Lincoln’s Cottage
Hours
Sunday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
The President Lincoln’s Cottage Experience
President Lincoln’s Cottage is a nontraditional “museum of ideas” that takes a fresh look at Lincoln’s life and legacy in an authentic place — his beloved home. Most visitors experience the site through tours, but we offer many more ways to visit the Cradle of the Emancipation Proclamation. We have a robust schedule of public programs throughout the year. The Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center hosts permanent exhibits on Lincoln, the Civil War and the Soldiers’ Home, as well as a special temporary exhibit gallery, which currently features American by Belief. Our education department also hosts numerous opportunities for youth engagement.
Tours of the Cottage explore Lincoln’s ideas and place his experiences here within the larger context of the Civil War and America’s struggle to reconcile competing definitions of liberty and equality. Our highly-trained, passionate staff of Museum Program Associates lead intimate tours through the Cottage, using interactive multimedia and traditional storytelling methods to bring President Lincoln to life in a minimally-furnished space. The vibrant, conversational tour provides new perspectives on Lincoln’s life, gives space for self-reflection, and connects Lincoln’s work to advance freedom with contemporary challenges to human rights. Visitors will leave feeling inspired and motivated to take their own path to greatness.
We welcome visitors from all walks of life to experience President Lincoln’s Cottage. To learn more about our guidelines for visitors, and recommendations for an optimal tour experience, view the Visitor Guidelines page.
