On Wednesday, the bicentennial of President Lincoln’s birthday, Ford’s Theater celebrated its grand re-opening after having been closed for a significant renovation and restoration project since June 2007. As Paul Tetreault, the theater’s director, explains in the video below, many of the changes aren’t entirely obvious, as many objects were carefully restored to their original luster from 1865, the year Lincoln was assassinated. However the theater also boasts new seats (a change we understand patrons will be especially thankful for), a renovated lobby and restrooms, and a new gift shop. With the nearly $50 million they’ve raised, the venue will eventually include a museum and Lincoln education center. Last night they christened the new stage with a special event, including the presentation of the Lincoln Medal to Sidney Poitier and George Lucas.

DCist photographer Meaghan Gay was at the theater for the ribbon cutting ceremony in the morning, attended by Mayor Adrian Fenty, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and others. In the evening, famous faces such as Poitier, James Earl Jones, Kelsey Grammer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi were seen walking down the red carpet. President Barack Obama also attended the event, but did not participate in any publicity.