International Spy Museum, Washington D.C.

Name: International Spy Museum
Address: 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington D.C., 20024, United States
Telephone: +1 202-393-7798

#51 among attractions in Washington D.C.

Museum, History museum, Military museum, Specialty museum

Gallery (10)

Map

Gallery

International Spy Museum, Washington D.C.

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Marcus Qwertyus / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Joyofmuseums / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / SunOfErat / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Tnt1984 / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / SunOfErat / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Carlo Dani / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / AgnosticPreachersKid / URL

Facts and practical information

Steeped in the shadowy world of espionage, the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. is a unique treasure trove of intrigue and mystery. This museum offers an immersive journey into the clandestine operations and intelligence activities that have shaped historical events across the globe.

Situated in the heart of the nation's capital, this museum is dedicated to the art and craft of spying. It features the largest collection of espionage artifacts ever placed on public display, many of which have never been seen by the general public. Visitors can expect to see gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras, vehicles, and technologies used for espionage throughout history.

The International Spy Museum not only showcases historical artifacts but also provides interactive experiences that allow visitors to engage with the complex world of intelligence-gathering. Guests can take on the role of a spy in interactive exhibits, learn about the life of a secret agent, and even participate in a mission to test their own sleuthing skills.

Exhibits cover a range of topics from the history of espionage, the Cold War era, to the present day challenges of cyber espionage and international terrorism. The museum also explores the ethical dilemmas faced by intelligence professionals and the impact of espionage on world events.

The International Spy Museum is an invaluable experience for those fascinated by the hidden aspects of global affairs and the silent warriors who operate behind the scenes. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of mystery, or simply curious about the world of spies, this museum offers a captivating look at the secret world of intelligence that has long captured the imagination of the public.

Alternative names: Established: 19 July 2002 (22 years ago)Coordinates: 38°53'49"N, 77°1'24"W

Address

700 L'Enfant Plaza SWNorthwest Washington (Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown)Washington D.C. 20024 United States

Contact

+1 202-393-7798

Website

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Washington D.C.

Day trips

International Spy Museum – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Museum of Crime and Punishment, Friendship Archway.

~390 ftNE
Art depicting historic American figures
National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C.
2 min walk • The National Portrait Gallery, nestled in the heart of Washington D.C., United States, is a cultural landmark dedicated to showcasing the faces and stories that have shaped the American nation. This illustrious museum, tag: museum, is housed in a historic building that...
~290 ftN
1868 museum also houses Portrait Gallery
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington D.C.
2 min walk • The Smithsonian American Art Museum, nestled in the heart of Washington D.C., is a treasure trove of American creativity. This museum, as a part of the Smithsonian Institution, is the nation's first collection of American art and stands as a critical representation of...
~510 ftE
Museum, History museum, Specialty museum
National Museum of Crime and Punishment, Washington D.C.
3 min walk • The National Museum of Crime and Punishment, often simply referred to as the Crime Museum, offers a stark and intriguing journey through the history of crime and its consequences in the United States. Located in the heart of Washington D.C., this museum provides an...
~1140 ftNE
Monuments and statues
Friendship Archway, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • Friendship Archway is a paifang installed at Chinatown, Washington, D.C. United States. It is one of the largest ceremonial arches outside of China.
~690 ftW
Historic performing arts venue
Ford's Theatre, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • Ford's Theatre is a theater located in Washington, D.C. which opened in August 1863. It is infamous for being the site of the assassination of United States President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865.
~1070 ftS
Memorial, Specialty museum, Monuments and statues
United States Navy Memorial, Washington D.C.
6 min walk • The United States Navy Memorial is a memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring those who have served or are currently serving in the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine.
~800 ftW
Memorial, Greek Revival architecture, Specialty museum
Petersen House, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • The Petersen House is a 19th-century federal style row house located at 516 10th Street NW in Washington, D.C. On April 15, 1865, United States President Abraham Lincoln died there after being shot the previous evening at Ford's Theatre, located across the street.
~820 ftNE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • Capital One Arena is an indoor arena in Washington, D.C. Located in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, the arena sits atop the Gallery Place rapid transit station of the Washington Metro.
~810 ftW
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Madame Tussauds DC, Washington D.C.
4 min walk • Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. was a wax museum located in Washington D.C. the capital city of the United States. The attraction opened in October 2007 and became the 12th Madame Tussauds venue worldwide. and features wax sculptures of famous figures from politics, culture, sports, music and television.
~450 ftN
Museum, Greek Revival architecture, Art museum
Old Patent Office Building, Washington D.C.
3 min walk • The historic Old Patent Office Building in Washington, D.C. covers an entire city block defined by F and G Streets and 7th and 9th Streets NW in Chinatown. It served as one of the earliest United States Patent Office buildings.
~970 ftN
Church
Calvary Baptist Church, Washington D.C.
5 min walk • Calvary Baptist Church is a Baptist church located in the Chinatown neighborhood in Washington, D.C. affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, the Alliance of Baptists, the District ...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is International Spy Museum open?

International Spy Museum is open:

Monday 9 am - 7 pm
Tuesday 9 am - 7 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 7 pm
Thursday 9 am - 7 pm
Friday 9 am - 7 pm
Saturday 9 am - 7 pm
Sunday 9 am - 7 pm

Which popular attractions are close to International Spy Museum?

Nearby attractions include Eight Hundred Block of F St. NW, Washington D.C. (1 min walk), Julius Lansburgh Furniture Co., Washington D.C. (2 min walk), Equitable Co-operative Building Association, Washington D.C. (2 min walk), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington D.C. (2 min walk).

How to get to International Spy Museum by public transport?

The nearest stations to International Spy Museum:

Metro

Gallery Place • Lines: Gr, Rd, Yl (4 min walk)
Archives • Lines: Gr, Yl (7 min walk)

Train

L'Enfant (21 min walk)
Russell (24 min walk)

Bus

Washington Deluxe Bus (23 min walk)
Peter Pan Bus (23 min walk)

Tram

Union Station • Lines: H Street/Benning Road Streetcar (27 min walk)