Washington, DC is home to the International Spy Museum, the only spy museum in the United States. The popular attraction displays more than 200 devices, weapons, bugs, cameras, vehicles and technologies used for espionage around the world. The exhibits present stories of real spies, their missions, their destinations, and how their espionage affected some of the most pivotal moments in world history. Visitors learn about the stories of individual spies throughout history, from Moses to Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth I to George Washington, Cardinal Richelieu, and Joseph Stalin.
Most visitors spend about two hours touring the general exhibition.
The International Spy Museum is privately owned and operated and charges an admission fee. It does not receive funds from the government. The museum offers lectures, movies, book signings, and family activities covering a wide range of spy-related topics. There is a museum shop that offers unique gifts, books, maps, and prints; a wide range of spy-related toys and educational products; pop culture merchandise and much more.
Museum redevelopment and expansion plans
The International Spy Museum has announced plans to move to a new location to add additional space for display areas, a new cafe, and a retail store. The new museum will be located at 900 L’Enfant Plaza in SW Washington DC. The building, designed by London-based Stirk Harbor & Partners, will be located opposite the glass atrium in the middle of L’Enfant Plaza, facing 10th Street SW. The existing museum will remain open at its F Street location until the project is completed.
Visiting tips
- Get there early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and lines. During peak season, buy tickets in advance.
- While children of all ages are welcome, the museum is geared toward ages 10 and up. Take a look at the Family Missions Guide and enjoy some top secret missions together.
- Groupon Washington DC sometimes offers discounts to the International Spy Museum.
Exhibitions and Interactive Tours
- Permanent collection : the permanent exhibition presents the craft of espionage through the stories of individuals and their missions, tools and techniques. Exhibits include: School for Spies which provides an introduction to the world of espionage and describes many of the essential skills and tools for a spy; The secret history of history that tells the story of espionage from biblical times to the beginning of the 20th century; Spies Among Us Showing Real Life Spy Stories; The War of Spies exploring the Cold War, using post-war Berlin as a backdrop for interesting exhibits detailing the Berlin Tunnel, the Stasi, the internal security force of the East German Ministry of State Security, and the fall from the Soviet Union; The 21st Century examining the challenges facing intelligence professionals around the world in the 21st century is addressed in the museum’s final film, Ground Truth. The imminent threat of Cyber War is addressed in Weapons of Mass Disruption.
- Operation Spy – In an action-packed hour, participants take on the role of American intelligence officers on an international mission to locate a lost nuclear device before it falls into the wrong hands. This intense experience combines live action, video characters, themed environments, special effects, and hands-on activities.
- Spy in the City – See Washington DC through the eyes of a spy. This interactive gps-based outdoor hike mission allows you to solve a spy case on your own. Your spy observation, evasion and decryption skills will be put to the test.
Direction
800 F Street, NW, Washington, DC.
The International Spy Museum is located in the Penn Quarter, a revitalized arts and entertainment district of Washington, DC. The closest tube station is Gallery Place / Chinatown.
View a map and information on transportation and parking
Admission
$ 21.95 – Adults (18 to 64 years old)
$ 15.95 – Senior (65+) Military, Law Enforcement
$ 14.95 – Youth (7 to 17 years old)
Free – Children 6 and under
$ 14.95 – Operation Spy
$ 14.95 –
Spy in the City combo packs available.
To control overcrowding, tickets are assigned an entry time. Buy tickets online. These exhibits can be very crowded even with assigned entry times. The best time to visit this museum is during the week and early in the day.
Hours
Open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm
The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. The museum is sometimes closed for private events. Call (202) EYE-SPYU for updated information.
Website: www.spymuseum.org
Attractions near the International Spy Museum
- National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Capital One Arena
- Ford’s Theater
- Madame Tussauds wax museum
- Gallery place
