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Lincoln Memorial's Secret Undercroft Opens
25 Jun
Summary
- A 15,000-square-foot museum now opens beneath Lincoln Memorial.
- Original Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment are displayed.
- The space reveals construction history and worker graffiti.

A significant space beneath the Lincoln Memorial, known as the Undercroft, has opened to the public. This 15,000-square-foot museum, located directly under the iconic monument, offers visitors a new way to engage with history.
The Undercroft features interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and a bookstore. Among its most compelling displays are original copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, both bearing Abraham Lincoln's signature.
Additionally, the museum provides a unique look into the memorial's construction. Visitors can examine historical tools and discover authentic graffiti from the workers who built the monument in the 1920s.
This new exhibit also highlights the Lincoln Memorial's historical significance as a "civic stage." It commemorates pivotal civil rights events, such as Marian Anderson's 1939 concert and the March on Washington.