International Spy Museum – Washington DC

Unleash Your Inner Spy at the International Spy Museum. As a culture, we can’t resist a good spy movie or detective novel.  If you are captivated by all things spy-related, the International Spy Museum is a great place to spend your next vacation.

Located in Washington, DC, the International Spy Museum first opened its doors in July of 2002.  The museum complex contains over 64,000 square feet.

Upon entering the International Spy Museum, visitors are given the task of memorizing the details of their "cover" identity.  They then assume that identity and are given a mission to complete while in the museum.  Participation in the mission isn’t required, but it is a lot of fun.

In the museum, visitors can learn about over 600 artifacts of international espionage.  These relics came from ancient Greece and Rome, the American Civil War, both World Wars, modern popular culture, and more.  The artifacts alternate with interactive displays, including several films.

The items on display in the museum were all diligently collected to become the biggest collection of international espionage artifacts to ever be viewable by the general public.  Some are the property of the museum itself, while others are on permanent or temporary loan from museums and private collectors.

If you wish, you can participate in "Operation Spy," which puts you in the place of a top spy trying to crack a case involving nuclear arms dealers.  Although this attraction requires a separate entrance fee, it’s definitely worth experiencing.

The International Spy Museum is the only one of its kind in the country.  There are other espionage museums in other parts of the world, but none maintain the neutral and non-political stance that of the International Spy Museum.  Several of the museum’s board members are former intelligence professionals.  Their involvement in the museum makes the whole experience more real and more enjoyable.

After your stroll through the museum, you can stop off at the gift shop to take home some spy-related souvenirs.  If you’re hungry, you can visit the snack shop or the upscale restaurant in the complex.

If you’re looking for the perfect family destination, this is it.  The International Spy Museum masterfully combines entertainment, education, and history to create one of the most fun experiences you’ll have in Washington, DC.  

There are several sights to see in Washington, D.C. and you’ll want to find a hotel that puts you in the middle of the action.  You can find several DC hotels on HotelsCombined.com at reasonable rates.

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