Washington DC Attractions
The International Spy Museum, Washington DC
International Spy Museum
Washington's newest museum, the International Spy Museum,
features the largest collection of publicly displayed international
espionage artefacts in the world. It is the result of years of
planning and advice by former officials of the CIA, FBI and the
KGB, as well as some of the nation's top experts in intelligence.
It aims to educate the public about espionage and its vital role
and impact on historic and current events. Interactive exhibits
cover the history of spying, famous spies, spying during the World
Wars with an exhibit on unheeded intelligence that warned of the
Pearl Harbour attack, sophisticated espionage techniques of the
Cold War, and the latest spy trends and challenges of 21st century
espionage. There is also a section dealing with high-tech gadgets
such as bugs, tiny cameras and ingenious disguise techniques, with
interactive stations exploring surveillance, disguises, code
breaking, threat analysis and more. Operation Spy is an interactive
experience in which visitors get to be a spy; hands-on activities
include safe-cracking and conducting polygraph tests, experiences
which are combined with special effects and live action. The museum
complex includes a restaurant, spy-theme cafe and shop.
Address: 800 F Street;
Website: www.spymuseum.org;
Telephone: (202) 393 7798;
Transport: Gallery Place/Chinatown or National Archives/Navy memorial metro stations;
Opening time: Open daily from 9am or 10am, but times vary within the month, so visitors are advised to consult the Museum's website or phone for more information;
Admission: $18 (adults), $15 (children 5-11). Operation Spy: $14 (12 and older). Combination ticket: $25. Advance Tickets recommended especially for weekends and holidays.
