Visit President Lincoln’s Cottage
Hours
Sunday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Federal Employees: During the government shutdown, all federal employees receive FREE admission. Tickets are first come, first serve. You must call ahead to reserve your tickets: 202-829-0436 ext. 0. *Please bring federal ID when checking in*
SPECIAL JANUARY TOUR: “A Good Deed in a Weary World”
January 9-31, 2019
January is a time for solemn reflection, bold action and new beginnings. While the Lincolns didn’t reside at the Cottage during this season, January plays an integral role in the Lincoln story. On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation, crafted here, became public and shined a beacon of hope in a war-weary world.
From January 9th to the 31st, join us for a self-guided, illuminating tour designed for thought and reflection, while you set out to fulfill your own resolutions during this New Year. We hope that you, as Lincoln did, can also find a home for your “good deed in a weary world” here at the Cottage.
Tickets available daily on the hour and half hour. Space is limited, and advanced reservation is encouraged.
Admission is $5.
(FREE for Cottage members, AFRH residents and children under 6)
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.
