During your visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, explore the Lincoln Presidential Museum or enjoy shopping in the Abraham Presidential Library and Museum Store. In the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum’s dine-in restaurant, Subway, you can enjoy lunch on your own.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
Spread across 40,000 square feet, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum’s permanent exhibitory is comprised of two “Journeys,” two theaters and the Treasures Gallery. Designed by BRC Imagination Arts, the Museum is recognized as the first major Experience Museum. Combining invaluable artifacts with BRC’s innovative, contemporary storytelling technologies, the Museum let’s you experience the Abraham Lincoln story through engaging, emotional and educational exhibits.
Pre-Presidential Years (Journey One)
The Pre-Presidential Years explore Lincoln’s beginnings. See a full-scale replica of a log cabin, signifying Lincoln’s boyhood home. Discover what life was like for Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois including his courtship with Mary Todd, his home life and his legal and political careers. Exhibits that explore the Lincoln Douglas debates and video monitors that analyze the campaign in which Lincoln won the presidency, set the scene for the Presidential Years Journey.
The Presidential Years Journey (Journey Two)
In the Presidential Years Journey, enter a full-scale reproduction of the White House in the Museum’s “Blue Room.” Here you will find Mary Lincoln being fitted for a gown by Elizabeth Keckley, her dressmaker. Continuing on your journey, explore Abraham and Mary Lincoln’s years in the White House including the tragic death of President Lincoln’s son Willie, the human tragedy and sacrifice of the war, the emancipation controversy, the Gettysburg dedication ceremony, and the conclusion of the Civil War. The Presidential Years Journey comes to a close on April 14, 1865. Pass through a reproduction of Ford’s Theater where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, then make your way into a re-creation of the Representative Hall in Springfield’s Old State Capitol where you can pay your respects to President Lincoln.
Union and Holavision Theaters at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
Be sure to stop by Union and Holavision Theaters featuring “Lincoln’s Eyes” and “Ghost’s of the Library.” The 17-minute presentation “Lincoln’s Eye” explores Lincoln’s story through the eyes of an artist painting Lincoln’s portrait. 15-minute “Ghosts of the Library” is a dramatic and magical special effects presentation that takes a look at the question “Why does history matter?”
The Treasures Gallery
In addition to the journey through Lincoln’s life, the Museum is home to the Treasures Gallery. This rotating exhibit features dozens of precious artifacts related to Abraham Lincoln including many items from the Taper Collection, a collection recognized as the largest privately held collection of Lincolniana in the world before being purchased by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation in 2007. At the center of the Treasure Gallery a large cylindrical wall, the inner sanctum, is where you will find some of the most precious pieces of the collection.
Dining at Abraham Presidential Library and Museum
Enjoy lunch at the Abraham Presidential Library and Museum’s dine-in restaurant Subway. Fresh and healthy sandwiches and salads made from the highest quality ingredients, chips, cookies and a variety of beverages can be found on Subway’s menu.
Shopping in the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum Store
Remember to stop by the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum Store. Books, clothing and accessories, gifts, home décor, toys, media and souvenirs unique to the Abraham Presidential Library and Museum and Illinois are available to purchase.
- Complimentary wheelchairs are available at the will-call desk.
- Theater presentations in Union and Holavision Theaters run continually throughout the day. Check the posted show schedule at each theater upon arrival to assist in planning your visit.
- In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Museum also features temporary exhibits that support the Lincoln story.