Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Opens to Public
A century-old secret beneath former President Abraham Lincoln’s memorial was unveiled on Thursday, with a new video from the U.S. Department of the Interior showcasing unique views of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft is now open for tours—this 15,000-square-foot museum lies directly beneath the iconic structure and is accessible without charge, provided visitors make advance reservations.
For the last 100 years, this expansive space, supported by a grid of 122 massive concrete columns, has remained unoccupied, resembling a “two-story shopping mall.”
A decade-long project, which saw a funding boost of $26 million from federal sources and an additional $48 million from the National Park Foundation, is set to commence construction in 2023, according to Julie Moore, the National Mall Trust’s vice president of communications.
Now, a glass exhibition area is suspended within the infrastructure below the statue of the 16th president.
The new museum promises interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and even a bookstore.
Among the collection, the Department of the Interior highlights significant historical items like the original Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, both signed by Lincoln.
Visitors will also gain insight into the monument’s construction from the 1920s, including historical tools and genuine graffiti left by workers of that era.
Moore stated that the crypt also narrates how the Lincoln Memorial transformed into a “civic stage” for the nation.
Exhibits celebrate pivotal events, such as the 1939 concert by Marian Anderson and the March on Washington, underscoring the site’s profound importance in civil rights history.
To make advance reservations, visitors can check recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance, and walk-up tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Korean War Veterans Memorial kiosk each day starting at 8:45 a.m. local time.
