The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft, a 15,000-square-foot museum situated directly beneath the iconic monument in Washington, D.C., will open its doors to the public on Thursday. The space, which has remained hidden for a century, will be accessible for free with advance reservations.
The cavernous chamber, described as resembling a "two-story shopping mall" supported by 122 concrete pillars, has been the subject of a decade-long renovation project. Construction officially began in 2023, funded by $26 million in federal money and $48 million from the National Park Foundation.
Exhibits and Historical Treasures
Inside the newly unveiled museum, visitors will find a glass-encased exhibit area featuring interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and a bookstore. Among the significant historical artifacts on display are original copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, both bearing Abraham Lincoln's signature.
The undercroft also provides a unique perspective on the memorial's construction. Exhibits include historical tools and original graffiti left by workers from the 1920s. Beyond the physical structure, the museum explores how the Lincoln Memorial has evolved into a significant "civic stage" throughout American history.
A Site of Historical Significance
Exhibits within the Undercroft highlight the memorial's crucial role in the civil rights movement, commemorating pivotal events such as Marian Anderson's 1939 concert and the 1963 March on Washington.
Planning a Visit
Advance reservations for the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft can be made through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Visitors are able to book up to 30 days in advance. Walk-up tickets are also available daily on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning at 8:45 a.m. local time from a kiosk at the nearby Korean War Veterans Memorial.
