International Spy Museum
Overview
The International Spy Museum in Washington DC is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage.  Open since July 2002 and in development since 1996, the museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display – many have never been seen by the public.  These artifacts – from a 1777 letter by George Washington authorizing a New York spy network to a 1980s coat with a camera concealed in a button – bring to life the people and techniques behind some of the most influential espionage actions in world history.

Interactive Experiences

 

 

 

 

 


 

Permanent Collection

OPERATION SPY: You have one action packed-hour to find a missing nuclear device before it falls into the wrong hands.  You will be challenged to feel, think, and act like a real intelligence officer.  Drawn from actual intelligence files, this intense experience challenges you to decrypt audio files, penetrate a high-security compound, polygraph a suspect agent, and much more.  This is as close as you can get to the real world of spying.  Will your decision be the right one?  Bottom line: don't screw up.  (Note: Operation Spy is limited to guests ages 12 and older, and contains l

SPY IN THE CITY:  Now see the city as a spy by taking a GPS-guided tour of D.C. and its neighborhoods.  It's your chance to explore the spy capital of the world as we send you clues, codes, audio intercepts, and everything you need to complete your secret mission.  Not to mention all the history, mystery and landmarks along the way.  Whether you go as a group or as your own undercover agent, it's sightseeing like you've never seen. 

 

  The International Spy Museum’s permanent exhibition presents the tradecraft of espionage through the stories of individuals and their missions, tools and techniques.  Artifacts created by or for intelligence services around the world are supported with historic photographs, interactive displays, film, and video.  Exhibits include:
School for Spies: This section provides an introduction to the world of espionage and describes many of the skills and tools essential to a spy.  It explores the different motivations that lead people into the clandestine world, how they are recruited and trained, and how they operate.
The Secret History of History: This series of galleries chronicles the history of spying from biblical times to the early 20th century.  It explores such phenomena as the institutionalization of spying in the early years of the Soviet Union and traces the rise of espionage technology, such as spy photography.  It also examines the role that women have played in espionage and reveals well-known historical figures who were also spymasters, including George Washington and author Daniel Defoe.
Spies Among Us: These exhibits, films, and videos examine espionage through World War II, showcasing real-life spy stories.   They explore the role of code-making and code-breaking operations and teach various ways to create, break and hide coded messages through interactive exhibits.  An exhibit on celebrities includes singer Josephine Baker, chef Julia Child, movie director John Ford, and actress Marlene Dietrich.
War of the Spies: This section explores the Cold War, using Post-war Berlin as the backdrop for engaging exhibits detailing the Berlin Tunnel; the Stasi, the internal security force for East Germany’s Ministry for State Security; and the fall of the Soviet Union; as well as the impact of espionage on popular culture and the myth and mystique of the spy that it engendered.
The 21st Century: The challenges facing intelligence professionals world-wide in the 21st Century are addressed in the Museum’s final film, Ground Truth.  At various times, temporary exhibits on current espionage-related issues will also be displayed.


Educational Programs
Museum Store
The International Spy Museum offers a wide range of educational and cultural programs for students, adults, and families including scholarly lectures; films; book signings; hands-on workshops; student, adult and senior group tour packages; temporary exhibits; and other special events throughout the year. 
The International Spy Museum's 5000 sq. ft. store features a diverse selection of merchandise that mirrors the Museum's presentation of the tradecraft and history of espionage as well as the popular interpretations of that profession.  Visitors to the store have the opportunity to buy over 500 books, maps and prints; a wide range of spy-related toys and educational products; pop culture merchandise; disguise kits and paraphernalia; spycraft items; exhibit-related products; one-of-a-kind spy collectibles; spy logo and souvenir items; and much more.
 


Location
The International Spy Museum is located at 800 F Street, NW in Washington, DC’s historic Penn Quarter, within 4 blocks of the National Mall, directly across the street from the National Portrait Gallery, steps away from the MCI Center, and within one block of FBI headquarters.  The Museum is conveniently located near the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail station serviced by the red, yellow, and green lines.
Museum Hours**
**Hours are subject to change.  Call 202.EYE.SPYU or visit their website for the most up-to-date information.
Admission
**Fees differ depending upon tickets desired, visit their website for the most up-to-date information .