Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Opens to Public

A hidden chamber beneath the Lincoln Memorial is opening to the public. This new attraction offers a glimpse into history with an impressive 15,000-square-foot museum.

Starting Thursday, visitors can explore the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft by making advance reservations. The U.S. Department of the Interior released a video showcasing unseen views from this part of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

For the past century, this space remained unused. The undercroft, sustained by 122 concrete pillars, resembles a large shopping mall. It is now a museum thanks to $26 million in federal funds and $48 million from the National Park Foundation. The project has been underway for a decade, with construction beginning in 2023, said Julie Moore of the Trust for the National Mall.

Inside, you will find a glass-encased display area. It features interactive stations, multimedia presentations, and a bookstore. Notably, original copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, signed by Lincoln, are showcased here, as stated by the Department of the Interior.

Visitors can learn about the construction of the memorial, see tools used in the 1920s, and view original workers’ graffiti. The undercroft reveals how the Lincoln Memorial became America’s civic stage.

The exhibits also emphasize its role in civil rights history, such as Marian Anderson’s 1939 concert and the March on Washington. Advance reservations are available via recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Tickets can be booked up to 30 days in advance or obtained at 8:45 a.m. daily at the Korean War Veterans Memorial kiosk on a first-come, first-served basis.