International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.

Okay, so I know I trashed it just a couple days ago, but summer vacations in Washington D.C. really are a great idea. My family did it when I was still in middle school, and even then I had a blast checking out monuments, exploring the Smithsonian museums, running naked through the reflecting pool, the usual stuff.

Of course, this was way before 2002, so one thing I didn’t have the joy of seeing on that trip is the International Spy Museum. A shame, too, because it only takes one visit to this flashy, altogether unusual attraction near Capitol Hill and suddenly you want to share it with everyone. (And now, thanks to the power of the Internet, I can!)

Not that it really needs the press. Since day one, tourists and locals alike have flocked to the International Spy Museum in droves, attracted by the groovy décor, lively atmosphere and of course the fascinating and even a bit sexy subject matter. Despite the admission fee, steep for this town at $18, the museum continues to be one of the most popular for-profit attractions in Washington, D.C. It’s worth the cost!

The International Spy Museum is the first museum in the country dedicated to espionage and the intelligence industry, notably the American intelligence industry, but with an at-times global perspective as well. What stands out still to me today, and what I think impresses so many visitors, is the diversity of the experience. Briskly-paced and densely-designed, the museum packs one new thrill right after the other, from film to demonstration to hands-on to even a bit of role play. You shouldn’t feel like you’re just looking at stuff. Rather, you should feel caught up in the experience. Not too many museums can say that.

While not explicitly guided, the International Spy Museum is very direct, with more or less a single path to take. The tour first addresses the question on everyone’s mind: real spycraft. We all love James Bond, but we also all know that being a spy can’t possibly be that glamorous. An opening exhibit, the Briefing Room, separates fact from fiction, reality from myth, with a fascinating glimpse into the actual life of a spy. Next you’ll move into the main galleries, blending interactive exhibits and fun bits about the ins and outs of the trade while also exploring the history of spying.

The “School for Spies”, probably the highlight for me, is where you’ll learn the tricks of the trade, including how to maintain cover, deal with sticky situations and how to use the dozens of ingenious (and not so ingenuous) tools in the spy’s arsenal. There’s plenty of hands-on time here. Loads of fun.

The museum also hosts a side-attraction called Operation Spy, a fully-interactive adventure placing you in the shoes of an elite spy and tasking you with a critical mission. Operation Spy carries a separate admission and has not been tried by USA Travel Guide yet, so we can’t recommend it either way. We’ll be sure to report on it once we’ve had the pleasure.

The International Spy Museum is open daily except for some holidays, with hours varying slightly by day and season. General adult admission is $18, and combo tickets are available that include the Operation Spy attraction. Learn more here.

For hotels in Washington D.C. near the International Spy Museum, we like the Phoenix Park Hotel. There’s something about the historic ambiance and stately demeanor that just fits D.C. to a T, and we’ve never had a bad experience with the property. It’s less than a mile from the museum as well, so you could easily hoof it.

Have fun!

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