Discover everything you need to know about Washington, DC’s renowned International Spy Museum.
Located in L’Enfant Plaza within the vibrant Southwest Waterfront, this cutting-edge museum immerses visitors in a day of espionage-themed exploration and interactive adventures. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, extending to 8 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
Below, uncover compelling reasons to explore this attraction, where families can delve into the intriguing world of spies. Visit the museum’s website for details and ticket purchases.
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A sprawling space for exploration
Spanning 140,000 square feet (nearly three football fields), the museum offers extensive exhibits and interactive displays. The third floor hosts 5,500 square feet of rotating galleries, ensuring fresh content at this tech-forward destination.
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Global and detailed exhibits
Covering 39 nations, the museum highlights spies from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Exhibits delve into spy technology, analysis, and contentious themes like surveillance and torture, encouraging reflection through diverse viewpoints.
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Launch your Undercover Mission
Begin your visit by registering for an Undercover Mission. Receive a lanyard to scan at kiosks, answer profile questions, and embark on tasks like analyzing clues, maintaining cover, and gathering intel. Post-visit, access your online scorecard for further content.
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Historical spy narratives
The fifth floor unveils espionage tales dating to the 16th century. Actors like Costa Ronin (portraying Russian officer Dmitri Bystrolyotov) share gripping stories. Discover Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster, Revolutionary War spy James Lafayette, and Morten Storm’s undercover missions in militant groups.
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Espionage artifacts galore
Thanks to collector H. Keith Melton, the museum showcases gadgets for surveillance, disguise, and escape. Highlights include a Russian buttonhole camera coat, a 1922 U.S. suicide-pin silver dollar, and a German Steineck wristwatch camera.
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Insightful films on spycraft
Short films enhance the experience: the Briefing Theater simulates spy tactics, while Real Spies, Real Stories features operatives recounting actual missions, offering unparalleled insights.
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Hands-on engagement
Beyond missions, test skills with Mind Games (exploring cognitive biases) and Red Teaming (replicating the CIA’s Bin Laden compound analysis).
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Covert operations through history
Explore covert tactics from the Trojan Horse to modern propaganda. Anatomy of an Assassination dissects target selection, execution, and aftermath.
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Spies in pop culture
The fourth floor’s License to Thrill exhibit screens clips from The Americans and Jason Bourne, alongside real spies discussing Hollywood’s accuracy. Artifacts tie to The Avengers and Game of Thrones.
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Spy-themed souvenirs
Don’t miss the gift shop’s quirky treasures: hidden flasks, games, apparel, and books—perfect mementos of your covert adventure.
Plan your mission today and uncover the secrets of espionage at this iconic DC attraction!