International Spy Museum

"The Secret World of Spies Aside from fictional spies like James Bond, Jason Bourne, and Austin Powers, few of us know much about the world of espionage and that’s probably very deliberate. After all, you can’t expect any good spy to be giving away their trade secrets. If you are intrigued by spies, and want to separate fact from fiction, then the place for you is the International Spy Museum; it is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to espionage. Here, you can learn all about the gadgets and techniques real spies used, from cameras embedded in everyday objects, to my favorite, the lipstick pistol. Discover the realm of ciphers and codes that spies use to transmit messages, notorious female spies (you’ll likely recognize most of the names but never knew they were spies), and the role of carrier pigeons in espionage. For fun, you can also assume the identity of one of 16 different spies. As you walk through the museum there are displays as well as guards to test how well you remember the details of your spy profile. There is also a GPS guided tour called Spy in the City which involves walking streets around the museum to solve a spy case on your own. It’s a lot of fun, plus you get to see a bit of the Penn Quarter neighborhood at the same time. Though the Spy Museum is small, they cram in the displays and there is a lot of information to read. Give yourself at least four hours to cover it all."

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Towering over L’Enfant Plaza in an impressive new 140,000-square-foot steel-and-glass building, the International Spy Museum isn't exactly clandestine. It is, however, a one-of-a-kind stop for anyone new to town. And what will we do here? In this interactive—and cheeky—museum, you’ll start by acquiring your very own spy identity and undercover mission before plunging into an exhibit that examines the history and tools of spy craft, both real and imagined in popular culture. Practice your code-breaking skills, learn about covert action, and discover how spycraft has informed history as you know it. Make time to try out the museum’s new experiential exhibits which might see you taking part in an exercise CIA analysts used to find Osama bin Laden or protecting your cover in an interrogation room in Communist East Berlin. The museum also has an impressive collection of seemingly everyday items that are more than what they appear to be, such as a lipstick pistol, a fountain pen camera, and eyeglasses outfitted with concealed cyanide pills. You’ll test your espionage skills throughout the exhibit and, in a final debriefing, discover whether you’re spy material. Are there other ways to experience the museum? Beyond the main exhibition, the museum hosts regular book signings with former spies and national intelligence officials, workshops for aspiring spy fiction writers, and lectures exploring specific aspects of the spy trade, from trickery to safe houses. What did you make of the crowd? This is one of the most popular museums in the city, drawing in weekend visitors and Washingtonians of all ages. It’s a fun romp through the life of spies, so expect a lighthearted vibe. On the practical tip, how were the facilities? The Spy Museum is fully accessible, with wheelchairs and elevators available. Some exhibits—identified by warning labels—have flashing lights, loud noises, and other sensory issues. The International Spy Museum offers a 90-minute staff-led tour with tactile opportunities for those who are blind or have low vision and has also launched Access to SPY, a series of programs geared specifically toward people with disabilities. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? The gift shop here breaks the mold with spy gadgets—a mug shaped like a briefcase, a car key that's also a mini camera, or a stealth flask for your smartphone. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? This is one museum experience you’re not going to want to rush, but if you’re absolutely strapped for time, plan to move quickly through the main exhibition and linger in galleries like the replica of Cold War Berlin or License to Thrill, a look a spies in pop culture." - Amy McKeever