WASHINGTON, D.C. – A century-old secret hidden beneath the feet of former President Abraham Lincoln is officially opening to the public on Thursday, revealing a massive, newly transformed historical space.
The Hidden Undercroft Unveiled
For 100 years, a cavernous 15,000-square-foot structural chamber sat vacant directly beneath the iconic monument. Supported by a grid of 122 giant concrete pillars, the space has often been described as resembling a “two-story shopping mall.”
Following a massive $74 million renovation project—funded by $26 million in federal funds and $48 million from the National Park Foundation—the space has been converted into a state-of-the-art museum. Construction on the project officially began in 2023.
What Visitors Will See
A new glass-encased exhibit area now floats within the infrastructure directly below the statue of the 16th president. Key features of the highly anticipated museum include:
- Historical Treasures: Original copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, both featuring Lincoln’s authentic signature.
- Construction History: A unique look at the tools used to build the monument, alongside authentic 1920s graffiti left behind by the original workers.
- America’s Civic Stage: Exhibits showcasing the memorial’s pivotal role in civil rights history, including Marian Anderson’s 1939 concert and the March on Washington.
How To Book Free Tickets
Admission to the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft is entirely free, but advance reservations are highly recommended.
- Advance Booking: Visitors can reserve spots up to 30 days in advance online through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
- Walk-up Tickets: A limited number of first-come, first-served tickets will be distributed daily starting at 8:45 a.m. local time at the nearby Korean War Veterans Memorial kiosk.
