NEW Lincoln Memorial Undercroft to Open June 25
NEW Lincoln Memorial Undercroft to Open June 25
Sharing the History and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the Story of the Memorial that Helped Shape America
Check out what's been building beneath the Lincoln Memorial...
The Trust for the National Mall is proud to be a supporting partner in the grand opening of the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft, an extraordinary project led by our partners at the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation. The Trust helped bring additional funding to support the project.
The Trust shares gratitude for all of the project supporters, including Trust Board Chair Bruce Broussard and Janine Broussard for their generous support of this transformational project on America's Front Yard. The Trust is honored to be providing additional support for the launch of this new visitor destination with our partners at the National Park Service. Learn more here and below:
For tickets please visit:
the Lincoln Undercroft TOUR at recreation.gov
NEWS RELEASE:
The Department of the Interior and National Park Foundation Announce Opening of Lincoln Memorial Undercroft
New visitor experience will offer unprecedented access to the memorial’s cavernous undercroft to learn about the history and legacy of Abraham Lincoln
May 20, 2026
The Department of the Interior, in partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF), today announced that the new exhibit area below the Lincoln Memorial will open to the public on June 25, 2026, offering visitors a new opportunity to engage with one of the nation’s most iconic memorials in a transformative way.
Located beneath the Lincoln Memorial in the area known architecturally as the undercroft, the new facility will feature approximately 15,000 square feet of world class exhibit space showcasing the striking grid of concrete columns that support the memorial. The immersive design will help visitors explore how the memorial was built, how it has shaped Americans’ understanding of Abraham Lincoln, and how its meaning has evolved for generations who have gathered there.
“Brought to life through partnership with the National Park Foundation, this new exhibit space beneath the Lincoln Memorial creates fresh opportunities for visitors to explore the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this project highlights the importance of places like the Lincoln Memorial in telling the American story and inspiring future generations, a goal that aligns with President Trump’s call to honor the country’s history and founding ideals.”
To date, the National Park Foundation has contributed $45.5 million to the project, with $38.7 million gifted from private donors, including David M. Rubenstein; John L. Nau, III Foundation; Kenneth C. Griffin; Rick L. and Vicki L. James; Glenn W. Bailey Foundation; New York Life Foundation; The History Channel; and Trust for the National Mall donors, Bruce and Janine Broussard.
“The opening of the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum is a testament to the power of partnership with the Department of the Interior and the incredible generosity of our donor community,” said Jeff Reinbold, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "By transforming this historic space into a world-class visitor experience, we are providing a new way for all people to connect with the enduring legacy of the Lincoln Memorial.”
In addition to the new exhibit space, the project includes improvements to accessibility and visitor amenities, including upgraded elevator systems, new restrooms, and an expanded bookstore.
Since its dedication in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial has stood as a symbol of unity, democracy, and reflection, honoring President Abraham Lincoln while also serving as a stage for some of the most consequential moments in the nation’s history. The opening of the undercroft will deepen public understanding of both the memorial itself and the broader American story it represents during America’s 250th anniversary.
More information about visiting the Lincoln Memorial undercroft, including ticketing details, will be announced in the coming weeks.
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