A Hidden Museum Beneath the Lincoln Memorial Opens After a Century

A lesser-known museum beneath the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., has finally opened its doors to the public after being closed for over 100 years. The iconic bronze statue of President Abraham Lincoln sits above a new 15,000-square-foot exhibition space, as reported recently.

According to Julie Moore, Vice President of Public Affairs for the National Mall Trust, a decade-long project backed by $26 million in federal funding and an additional $48 million from the National Park Foundation will kick off construction in 2023.

As visitors explore, they will encounter interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. There’s also the opportunity to view significant artifacts such as the original Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment signed by Lincoln himself, along with some interesting graffiti left by workers back in the 1920s.

The Lincoln Memorial Crypt will welcome its first visitors on June 25, 2026. This new area below one of America’s most famous monuments will showcase the substantial concrete foundation that supports the structure, and it will tell the story of the monument’s construction and its evolving significance over the past century.

The announcement comes during efforts to rejuvenate Washington, D.C., as the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of its founding. This initiative has received support from both political parties.

Historical context reminds us that the U.S. Congress was established after Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. The planning for a national monument honoring Lincoln’s legacy began shortly thereafter.

Construction commenced on February 12, 1914. As the monument is built on reclaimed land, engineers created a robust foundation. Workers drove 122 concrete piers deep into the bedrock, laid a second layer of piers, and formed concrete arches for the foundation. They later added marble on top, completing the foundation by 1915 while work on the main structure continued. Although progress slowed during World War I due to labor and material shortages, in 1918, designers opted to double the planned size of the Lincoln statue to ensure it didn’t appear small in the expansive room.

It’s interesting to note that architect Henry Bacon sourced materials from various states to showcase how a united nation can collaborate effectively.

Inside the monument, artists created murals and inscribed Lincoln’s captivating speeches into the walls. The Lincoln Memorial was officially dedicated on May 30, 1922, in a ceremony that included notable figures like Presidents Taft and Harding, as well as Robert Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s son. The monument today serves as a powerful symbol of unity and an ongoing commitment to the principles articulated in Lincoln’s speeches.

Video footage from the 1922 dedication captures the moment as a crowd gathered at the monument, witnessing the proceedings with a plane flying overhead.

For those interested in visiting the newly opened crypt, it’s important to know that a timed admission ticket is necessary—these tickets are free, though there is a small service fee for advance reservations.