International Spy Museum

Museum · Southwest Employment Area

International Spy Museum

Museum · Southwest Employment Area

3

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024

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International Spy Museum by Sam Kittner/Courtesy International Spy Museum
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null
International Spy Museum by null

Highlights

The International Spy Museum, towering in L'Enfant Plaza, offers a playful dive into espionage with interactive missions and a treasure trove of spy artifacts that will spark intrigue in visitors of all ages.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024 Get directions

spymuseum.org

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700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024 Get directions

+1 202 393 7798
spymuseum.org
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Jul 19, 2025

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@cntraveler

Will & Harper Is the Latest Film to Show How Travel Can Help Us See Each Other

"A location visited for its significance to Will, where he humorously got lost in the International Spy Museum."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/will-and-harper-how-travel-can-help-us-see-each-other
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@afar

"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."

The Best Museums in Washington, D.C.
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@cntraveler

International Spy Museum – Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"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

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/washington/international-spy-museum
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Mike Tuthill

Google
While you can race through the museum in 2 hours, if you really want to fully experience it plan on 4 hours. Add another 30-45 minutes if you want to enjoy the add on Bond in Motion experience. The museum is well executed, with all the displays and experiences functional. You will find yourself having to circle through each gallery 2 or 3 times to ensure you see everything. the museum is worth the visit and with their reservation system, you won't be waiting in long lines like at other places.

Lauren Toth

Google
It was pretty good. The air conditioning is freezing so make sure you take a jumper. There were a lot of people which made looking at some displays difficult. The interactive displays and games were great. The secret mission cards weren't explained real well. It would've been a bit more fun with some more info. When I was trying to log on with my mission for the first time, staff were giving information about the museum making it hard to concentrate on both. It was a very interesting place with lots of information.

Patrisha Faye

Google
I truly enjoyed my time in this museum. It was extremely informative, had multiple interactive exhibits, and the displays were so fun to look at! I must’ve spent about 5 hours total going through the whole place and reading everything. The store has so many fun gadgets, toys, books, and souvenirs. This is a must see when visiting, you won’t regret it!

Eagle

Google
This is a must-visit place for young kids or grown-ups if you are fascinated by spies and thrillers. I loved the concept of getting recruited for a mission as you entered the museum. The tickets 🎫 are a bit pricey but totally worth it. You can spend anywhere from 2 to 3 hours at this place. Highly recommended!!

Jorge Sanchez

Google
The International Spy Musuem was Awesome!!! My son and I enjoyed every story, every exhibit. It is very cool to see where it all started, all the gadgets and secret devices they would use to keep or conceal a secret. Ooh and the James Bond exhibit was great, seeing all the different vehicles they used in the movies was awesome!

Mindy Gauthier

Google
Well organized and interactive experience. There is a lot to see and do with opportunities to sit from time to time as you make your way through the museum. Assigned Spy Mission was a fun experience. I would say three hours is a minimum amount of time to spend at this museum. Timed entry tickets required.

Alan Boehm

Google
What a great place to visit for folks of all ages. A great experience with hands on things to do. It is informative and fun. I really liked the area involving Germany and the Berlin wall. There is an area with all the vehicles used in James Bond movies. Finally, check out the gift shop. There are some amazing things there.

Oliver Yu

Google
Wow was this a fun place to go. After days of stodgy, uppity Smithsonian museums (which were good), the International Spy Museum was like breath of fresh air after riding in the back of a Metro bus. You get a card - which is gives you a persona and a mission. There are computer kiosks throughout the museum that you check-in with and it unravels a story and missions. Great for kids. The museum itself was fascinating. Goes through all the branches of spying and gives examples of each function. You see a lot of it in Hollywood, but to break down the field into the core functions and present the tools of the trade as well as the history is just tremendously educational and fun at the same time. Of particular interest to me - because I heard about the story in my youth - was Robert Hanssen. This was an American FBI agent who committed treason and sold his country for what I would consider peanuts. This museum had his personal effects like his Rolex as well as the Palm Pilot that he used to store the information to evade people trying to catch him. There was also a fun Bond In Motion exhibit that was a room full of James Bond 007 vehicles. Definitely the best family museum in DC: there's something for everyone!
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Kathleen S.

Yelp
‍ Took a trip to the International Spy Museum to see the "Bond in Motion" exhibit. Got up close with some of the vehicles from the movies. Whether you prefer Barry, David, George, Timothy, Roger, Sean, Pierce or Daniel - this was a cool exhibit The rest of the museum is filled with great info, artifacts and interactive displays too - crazy stuff out there in the world of espionage!
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Emma G.

Yelp
Something was always going to be considered the low point of our adventure, and unfortunately - and surprisingly - it was this. My top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality and I came here on the Sunday before the Inauguration, which was a very cold and wet day. We didn't help the situation by walking from the Mt Vernon Square area to the north, which was one of the more unpleasant walks in recent memory. Because of what was going on that weekend, a lot of roads and walkways were unexpectedly closed and what should have been an uneventful 40-minute walk was probably closer to an hour and a half with a few distractions/stops. So to be fair, we weren't in the greatest moods heading into this. Worth noting. But this one was my pick, and I take responsibility. Maybe this was inevitable given the timing, but this place was PACKED. And it was very chaotic near the entrance especially; we were trying to dry off/get our umbrellas in sleeves, etc. but the security people were herding us through before we could do that, and then you immediately have to get on line to get tickets, and then almost immediately after that you have to get in ANOTHER line to the elevator to go up a few floors to start the mission/tour. It's a lot if you're not in the right headspace. There's also a locker area and coat hanger area off to the side of the lobby that was convenient but another instance of chaos with tons of people in there, and we had to wait a few minutes for the herd to leave to put our stuff away. The premise of the tour is pretty cool. I love gumshoe/spy stuff as a general rule, so the concept of being a spy and having numerous checkpoints throughout the museum to proceed with a side mission is a great idea. But because it's pretty structured (there's literally a path painted on the ground to highlight where you're specifically supposed to go) you don't get to do this really at your own speed, and (again, theme of the day), there are tons of people immediately nearby so it's almost like a free-wheeling tour group throughout. Each time I got to a checkpoint, I had to wait for a bunch of people to finish before I could get in there. It's a lot if you're not in the mood for crowds and made both of us yearn for the simpler days (aka a few hours earlier) in the much quieter, spacious National Museum of African American History and Culture. Another miss in my book? They didn't make a definitive judgment call on their target demo, and it ended up being awkward. So think about a really good animated film like Zootopia. Ostensibly it's for kids, but there are tons of concepts/jokes in there for parents/adults (like the sloths in the DMV). It works perfectly for both audiences. It was the exact opposite here. The mission stuff is clearly geared toward the young pups, but meanwhile every other exhibit in here is dry historic material, like videos of policy wonks from the CIA talking about 9/11 surveillance. There's a reason we're not even seeing these people on news channels - they're not made for TV. So even for someone like me who is a nerdy history major, it just wasn't that interesting so I can't imagine what the majority of pups were feeling (and other adults!). Also a bummer, they had a James Bond exhibit that I genuinely wanted to take a look at (Team Sean Connery) but it was an extra $35 on top of the $35 you spent to get into the museum in the first place. It felt like a shameless tourist cash grab and pretty disappointing. If you have the ability, I'd find an old Carmen Sandiego game to play. Way cheaper and more interesting, and you don't have to wind your way through crowds of Alabama tourists to get your mission completed.
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Colin D.

Yelp
The spy museum is hit and miss, but also there's nothing else like it. They have some amazing things like an actual umbrella gun used in an assassination and the murder weapon that killed Trotsky as well as lots of cool gadgets. They also have sections on history and cryptography. That said, it's pretty pricey and can hit an uncanny valley between "not cool enough to keep kids' entertained" and "not substantive enough to really appeal to adults." We've been here twice in the last month or so with a 10 year old who is very into spies and secret agents as well as family that came into town. The ambiance is very cool and it starts off with a Morgan-Freeman-narrated video, but it's then pretty much a museum about artifacts in glass cases and plaques next to them. The result can be jarring between clearly sensational stuff appealing to kids and not-quite-as-much-as-you'd-like substance about real spy gadgets and real history. On the sensational side, you get a secret agent card where you have to find screens to complete parts of a secret mission over the course of your time there and a temporary exhibit of bond cars. The former really only serves to distract kids from really learning anything and makes them drag you through the museum faster. The bond cars exhibit was disappointing with only 3-5 of the supposed 15 bond vehicles being really cool. There's also a ventilation shaft you can climb thorough, but it's overall not quite enough to keep the kids entertained in a deep sense, but enough to make them drag you through the museum faster than you'd like. On the substance side, the things I liked the most were the umbrella gun and the ice pick that was used to kill Trotsky for their historical significance and the section on cracking enigma during WWII, but there wasn't quite as much of that as I would have really liked for an adult focused museum either. In the end, it's probably 3-star museum, but gets a one-star bump because the subject matter is cool and not really replicated elsewhere.
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Brent Y.

Yelp
My recent visit to the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, was an absolute blast. If you've ever wanted to channel your inner James Bond or feel like a super sleuth from a cheesy 90s movie, this place is for you. First, a bit of history: the museum opened in 2002 and is dedicated to the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. It houses the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever displayed publicly. Think of it as the Smithsonian for all things sneaky. Inside, you'll find everything from lipstick pistols and invisible ink to Enigma machines. Seriously, if Harriet the Spy had access to this stuff, she would've been unstoppable. And let's not forget my personal favorite, Austin Powers, who would've loved the groovy gadgets on display. I couldn't resist paying extra for the 007 exhibition. Let me tell you, seeing the actual cars from many of the 007 films had me feeling like I was about to embark on a high-speed chase--except in reality, I was just walking briskly from exhibit to exhibit. The Aston Martin DB5 was particularly impressive, and I had to resist the urge to mutter, "Shaken, not stirred," every five seconds. The museum is filled with interactive exhibits that let you test your spy skills. Spoiler alert: I won't be getting recruited by MI6 anytime soon, but at least I had fun trying. Overall, I had a great time at the International Spy Museum. Whether you're a hardcore espionage enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a good spy flick, this place has something for everyone. Just remember, if you're caught snooping around, they'll disavow any knowledge of your actions. Highly recommend!
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Melissa L.

Yelp
I love to play and let me inner child out, so when I learned there was a spy museum in DC, I really wanted to check it out. As many have said, there is a fee to enter this museum unlike most in the area that are free. The visit starts with receiving a card that you can use throughout your visit to act as a spy in a game. You receive your code word, spy name, mission, etc. Then you go into a movie theater where you are welcomed and shown the first room. I really enjoyed learning about the female spies in history and spies from the Revolution, especially the double agents. The game was fun to do throughout the museum, but it was easy to miss some because when I got to the end it looked like I missed some stations. This museum is informative and has TONS of info! It is also very interactive with lots of activities for kids. I would personally recommend this museum to families and anyone that is seriously interested in spies or the CIA. For me, it was too much information to digest and too much interaction. I also had trouble keeping track of where to go; the arrows on the floor were confusing when there are several different routes you can take. Overall, worth a stop if this is a hobby, but not if you are somewhat interested.
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Olga M.

Yelp
Went to the Spy Museum but didn't know we had to purchase tickets in advance glad we were able to at least see the Bond In Motion 007 the official collection of original James Bond vehicles. It was nice being able to see the original vehicles used in many of the James Bond movies. Check it out! Happy Yelping :)
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Robert B.

Yelp
Very neat museum! The museum appeared to have been a little too kid friendly in my opinion, which is great for families and children. I would have rather it been more artifacts and less trivia and games. The walking tour gets really crowded especially at certain artifacts and exhibits which makes it difficult to enjoy and see everything. Restrooms are easily accessible to step away and come right back to where you left off. There is elevators for those in need. The gift shop was pretty cool. We went a few months ago, just now writing a review but adding their pics of spy books to my photos for any spy enthusiast looking for a good read. We love books so I wanted to make sure I took photos of their choices of what to read.
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Grace K.

Yelp
I must say I definitely underestimated this museum. I went into it thinking it would be meh but it was in my opinion worth the money and worth the time. Be prepared to walk a lot though. Huge museum and lots to see/learn. It got a little overwhelming at times but in a good way, if that's possible. I did both the general admission and the 007 James Bond combo and it was neat to see. I'd recommend this museum :)
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Rebecca T.

Yelp
DC - It's a cool museum as you get to know a lot more about spy, treason, the CIA, and a lot of history in general. Plenty of cool gadgets to check out and also for purchase at the gift shop, like a pen in the disguise of a lipstick. Then there were some hands on stuff too like the bar under the bridge and see how long you can hang on to till your rescue comes which is pretty fun and funny but the participants have to be of certain height if you're bringing kids along. I would say the best age for this museum is at least 7 years old. It's not suitable for kids until they're old enough to read and have a basic understanding of how the world works in general I'd say. It's a mistake to take my 4 year old here coz it's hard to read everything and explore the museum fully (as the admission is not cheap). Also kids under 5 should go in for free. They can't do much anyway. I knock one star off because how they charge little kids and because of the price for what they offer. I think I would have a much better time here if my kid was older or if I just came by myself lol. Maybe one day I'll return. Don't forget to reserve your tickets online and do so 2-3 weeks out for a discounted price. We were late for our time slot but luckily it wasn't super busy we could still get in for the next time slot with only a 10 minute wait.
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Tuff Cook E.

Yelp
Museums in DC are free. We decided to pay over $30 each to go to this one. It's definitely a high-tech fancy new type museum. If my husband didn't want go, I definitely would not have gone. We spent almost 2 hours there though.
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Roy A.

Yelp
While it's one of the few pay-to-enter museums in the area, the Spy Museum offers a unique and engaging experience. If you're fascinated by spy tools and historical espionage, this is a must-visit. The interactive spy game adds an extra layer of fun, and the displays are informative and well-curated.
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Kelly P.

Yelp
This was such a cool place and experience. I wasn't really sure what to expect but the amount of stuff they have in their collection is pretty impressive. I learned so much about espionage during my time. I loved the interactive part of being able to be sort of a challenge and going through the different stations. Th James Bond collection is also a really cool Touch.
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Sergio F.

Yelp
If you've ever knew about Universal Exports, enjoyed the scene in Crimson Tide when they were deciphering the EAM, watched "Incident in map grid 36-80" or are just good at a detailed lie, you'll have fun at the spy museum. I had driven past it my last DC work trip, and made it a point to check it this time around. It's located right close to the L'Enfant Plaza Metrorail station. For one, on their pull-up exhibit, I learned why in your late 40/s you usually ride a desk. However I was able to successfully complete the crawling through an AC duct station. Their exhibits run the gamut from static to interactive and a comprehensive history of espionage, from when the first cave dwellers climbed a tree to see what the opposing group was up to through the current three letter agencies of today's agencies. I would say to definitely play along on the exhibits, it will make a fun two hour operation. The exhibits have pretty fair coverage to the different agencies, whether the FBI or the Federal'naya sluzhba bezopasnosti Rossiyskoy Federatsii. And though not for sale, they have an Anna Chapman action figure on exhibit (krasiva Russkaya Debochka). Of course, the exit is through the gift shop!
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PJ C.

Yelp
We had been to the old Spy museum many years ago which was shoehorned into a number of old buildings. This new museum is in a very large modern building and unlike many museums in town it costs to enter - actually around $30 a person. Tickets are cheaper the earlier you order them. It appears they use dynamic pricing to determine the cost. The new museum on two floors is dense with material and displays. Where the old museum felt more geared to spying gadgets and popular culture spying this new museum is heavy on the darker and very frightening aspects of real world espionage. Not that it isn't entertaining and highly educational but it is a bit overwhelming. It is easy to get fatigued because there is just so much to see and do and many interactive displays. We were there about three hours but we had to hustle through the last half given we had other places to be. Definitely worth the price of admission.
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Oi W.

Yelp
4/11/24 Bought tickets online about a week in advance. There is a discount for purchasing online and in advance, so take advantage of it. The museum is interactive, so it keeps you engaged. The Bond in Motion exhibit was very interesting. As the most recognizable spy in the world, even though it's fiction, it is based on real spy craft.
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Nicole S.

Yelp
I apparently blacked out my last visit because I found myself here again this weekend I think it's a different building than before. It's a a beautiful building, they put alot of work into it, a great game concept. There is A LOT to look at! If this is something you're interested in, make it your first stop. If it's your last museum of the day, you'll find yourself just glancing over things Oh! And get your tickets online! They do timed entry, so we had to wait about an hour before we could explore. I thought this would make it less crowded, but it was still super busy inside
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Shalita W.

Yelp
First, I must say, DMV area has the BEST museums hands down. I thought the Crime museum was awesome but this International Spy Museum is just as awesome. Bonus part, is they have the BEST gift shop so far. Our visit was "planned" but we just decided to purchase our tickets upon arrival. No regrets in waiting, there was no line when arriving. I also chose not to take too many pictures because I did not want to spoil your visit ;)
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Elayna

Yelp
It was so much fun and you could interact with a lot of the exhibits! My personal favorite was the one where you crawl through an air vent and you have to be silent. Very fun, but expensive gift shop.
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Jordan C.

Yelp
This is a neat museum and a great thing to do with younger tourists. We went while they were having the James Bond Cars special exhibit which was also a fun thing to see. Be aware that 1) this is a pay museum unlike most in town and 2) you need to plan ahead and get a reservation as it's very unlikely you can get in without one. The cost is high, especially for a museum, although it is neat and we did go anyway. You also have to pay separately for special exhibits like the Bond Cars which is also an annoyance. More annoyingly is the reservation system though. It's pretty difficult for us to plan a trip like this several weeks in advance to the level where we can plan a day around an available reservation at something like the Spy Museum. For this reason, it may be difficult to get in unless you know what you plan to do every day and also plan ahead to get yourself a reservation. I would like to see them reserve at least a small portion of tickets at each available time slot for walk-ins to be better accommodating to people who are touring the city based on what they can get to at that time.
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John C.

Yelp
You can purchase tickets to the James Bond exhibit separately for $12 adult. It's a rather small room so you can go through it easily in about 30 minutes to an hour if you read everything. If you are a bond fan it is a must.
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Jimmy L.

Yelp
Pretty fun place to visit to learn about espionage, history, and other neat things. My recent trip to the museum was my first, since the Spy Museum moved near L'enfant Plaza. This seems to be a much bigger location than the old one near Chinatown. The exhibits are all very cool and very educational. Kids 6 and under are free.
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Tiffany P.

Yelp
Easily one of the most fun and super interactive museums I've ever been to! At the start of your visit, you're handed a card with your secret identity and password. As you make your way through the museum, complete missions unique to your secret identity. Each exhibit is packed with exciting historical information and fun facts about espionage. Consider allocating 2-3 hours here for a cool learning experience!
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Jen T.

Yelp
OMG this place!!! Pricey and thought perhaps a total cheese fest and not with it, or completely amazing. It was absolutely amazing! We spent almost 3 hours here! Worth the cost! Now, the bond exhibition- don't wast your money on. That was cheese!!!!
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Latoya E.

Yelp
Attended my daughter's 6th grade field trip as a chaperone. Instructions and rules were given before entering, then again upon entering. We were able to get secret identities, along with keep sake badges. The kids moved through the different areas, without reading of course. I enjoyed being able to move around at our own pace. The kids were not as interested as I thought they'd be. The staff were always visible, helpful and knowledgeable. I wish they're were more interactive areas like the vent the kids were able to crawl through! The passcode to see thru the vent, was guessed by me. When I told the kids the answer they had no idea what I was talking about. Definitely aged me a bit, lol. May need to update the clue!! It was a very busy day, a couple of schools were there while we were there. We didn't notice them until the end of our time slot. It began to get a bit crowded, hot and loud.
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Anna G.

Yelp
With all the amazing free museums that have great and true cultural significance in DC, I'd consider this "museum" a great example of a highway robbery. Expensive and full of fluff. I came for the Bond cars and that was equally disappointing. Total waste of time.
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Austin G.

Yelp
The Spy Museum is one of D.C.'s few ticketed museums, but it's so worth the money. Here's why. 1) Admission: Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets range between $28.57 to $31+ and it's best to get tickets online in advance. I went right at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday in December and beat the crowd. Only a handful of people were there for the first 30 minutes. 2) Exhibits: You start by going to the top floor in an elevator. Once you exit, you're given a badge (that you can keep!). Scan the badge at a computer station nearby to reveal your secret identity and mission. Once done, you enter a theater to watch a short film about the history of espionage narrated by Morgan Freeman. Through interactive exhibits, you complete your mission while also learning about the history of espionage and the tactical like cracking codes and creating a disguise. A few highlights include a crawl space, the Cyber Infinity Room (once named the city's most Instagrammed backdrop), and the games testing your spy knowledge. 3) Store: At the very end, you're taken down the final flight of stairs into a large store. Don't breeze through. It's full of fun gadgets like decoy safes, invisible ink, and more. 4) Area: It's in L'Enfant Plaza with views of the Washington Monument and the Wharf. There's paid street parking and a food court nearby. If you want a short walk, go to Falafel Inc at the Wharf for great falafels with affordable prices.
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Amy L.

Yelp
It's an interesting museum but poorly organized and seriously overhyped. I understand that it's a private museum trying to compete with so many free Smithsonian museums in Washington, but they set high expectations with their ads and the reality is not that great. For the price we paid, and the fact that you had to select the time slot in advance, we expected the place to be less crowded. There were two or three school groups with kids running from exhibit to exhibit and making it impossible for everyone else to complete the "missions", there was a lineup to all terminals. It was very crowded even though we were there on a weekday. I would recommend it if you are in DC for a week but probably skip it if you're coming just for the weekend.
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Hayley F.

Yelp
I am a huge fan of anything related to spies so visiting the International Spy Museum is a must when I am in DC. There are two levels (4th and 5th floor) of extensive exhibitions, and the Bond In Motion is on the 3rd floor. Everyone has to start from the 5th floor where a mission card is given. The mission card is to use on screens (which are clearly indicated in the museum) to answer questions. A little memorization is required but not a big deal if you get any questions wrong. There are many interactive games and short clips to watch. These are great to keep both adults and kids interested on the floor. I read every single display and I could recognize many spies because as a huge fan, I watch spy movies, read spy books, listen to spy podcasts, and research on various spies. I love that the museum displays real artifacts and short info are given. All the spy artifacts/inventions show amazing ingenuity of various inventors in finding ways to solve problems. My favorite is the microdot. The Bond in Motion exhibition is a display of cars that are used in the Bond movies. There are screens on each car to show the movie part the car appeared in. I spent 3hrs on the 4th and 5th floors, where I played the interactive games, read all the displays, and did the missions. I spent about 30mins on the 3rd floor (Bond in Motion). The museum is definitely for kids age 7 and older where they could read and understand well on their own. The gift shop has some interesting items so make sure to leave some time for that too. I recommend purchasing the tickets online as there is discount. Understand that some do not want to be restricted by the timed entry, but they may accommodate you if the museum isn't crowded.
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Sandra V.

Yelp
Became a member while we visited and absolutely love the museum. So much to see and learn. They have continuous events for members. The museum has a Bond exhibit for an added cost but as a member went in for free but unless you're a fan of the movies and want to see the 10 or so cars it's an ok exhibit. The actual museum offers so much that I will stick with it can't wait to go back when I'm in town.
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Theresa E.

Yelp
One of the more expensive things we have done since we have been in DC. It was $75 for two tickets to the museum with the Bond in Motion exhibit. In my opinion not sure it was worth it but my so did enjoy it. It's super interactive they start you out in a briefing room where you get an identity an story then it's time to wander through the different areas of the mission until you debrief.
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Mary H.

Yelp
Such a fun place to visit! We literally spent the whole day and we were surprised that it was as late as it was when we walked out. Fun little interactive spy hunt also involved. I would bring hubby back
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Leah Y.

Yelp
Very fun and interactive. This is the perfect stop for a family with kids of any age. The first part of the museum is an interactive game where you learn about what it takes to be a spy and how to become one. They give you a badge that can be used throughout the museum to complete activities. As you go along the path you can read about different spies and how they helped/hurt the country at different points in time. Super fun and engaging. The second floor continues the adventure, and has information relating to more recent historical events involving espionage. We spent a lot of time here but it was super fun and we all learned quite a bit. It's a different kind of museum experience that was super enjoyable. The Bond in Motion exhibit wasn't super exciting since no one in our group really watched the movies, but would probably be interesting if you are a fan of the series. The exhibit shows off a bunch of cars featured in the movie. Definitely a must stop on your DC tour!
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Daniel R.

Yelp
When my little cousins came to visit DC, they asked if we could go to the International Spy Museum. I obliged, thinking it may be a fun way to kill some time in DC even if the museum might be a drag for me... I WAS SO WRONG. I HAD A BLAST!! This museum is an adventure for kids and adults alike, with interactive exhibits, videos, challenges, and more. Some of the content was very provocative and challenging, while other content was perfect for families and small children. I loved how each exhibit room had a spy challenge--it seemed cheesy at first, but I won't lie... I was really into it! The ~$30 entrance fee is absolutely worth it. I highly recommend that you check out this awesome museum!
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Lailah J.

Yelp
This is a wonderful museum, fun for kids and adults alike. Before entering the exhibits, you pick up a badge and are given a secret identity and a mission, and can follow the mission throughout the exhibit by scanning your badge at each station. There are other interactive displays and games to engage with as you wind your way through the museum as well. There is so much information packed in spanning the history of espionage and intelligence gathering from the old days to the present and across the globe, illustrated with digital/video displays, sets, stories, historic artifacts, and more, all beautifully produced and presented. As history buffs and fans of all things spy, my family and I could not have enjoyed our experience more. We spent hours in here reading and exploring everything, and still didn't get through all that we wanted. There are plenty of benches and places to sit and rest on throughout the museum, which my easily-tired mother appreciated! We've been to the spy museum many, many years ago, and this is the revamped iteration in a new building (since 2019) with new exhibits. All in all it's just a really well thought out museum and one of the best activities we did in DC.
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Alexis B.

Yelp
I visited the International Spy Museum for the first time a couple of weeks ago after putting it off for a few years. It's not that it's not worth visiting once, it's just that it's not the sort of museum with rotating exhibits so that you want to go every 6 months to see what's there now! It's a large museum - mostly permanent collection - with a small gallery for temporary exhibits. When we visited in August 2024, the temporary exhibit showed cars from the James Bond movies (fun, but small - just one room - maybe 15 cars or motorcycles?). But the permanent exhibit has some really cool artifacts relating to spycraft, and I enjoyed it and learned from it much more than I had expected to! It was definitely crowded (more kid-friendly than many museums, so there were lots of kids in the museum as well) and on the pricier side (especially in a city of some fantastic free museums). Definitely fun to visit once but probably not a museum I'd frequent.
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Natika G.

Yelp
Such a cool and interactive museum! I love how we get to hear stories from real spies. Each person is given a card and can use it to complete missions throughout the museum. There were a ton of people there so it was difficult to enjoy each station.
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Samantha K.

Yelp
I went here during a friend's visit to the DC area. The museum felt a bit overpriced giving the amount of free museums nearby. The museum was crowded and many times felt claustrophobic with the amount of people there. We were excited to try some of the spy challenges, but they often had long lines or seemed to be catered towards children. Some of the interactions within the museum displays were intriguing, like the lie detector test and the car you could try to hid in. Overall, wasn't worth the price and wouldn't recommend visiting again anytime soon.
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Sandip S.

Yelp
We, a family of four, visited the museum in March, 2024. Our two teenage daughters wanted to go there rather than going to the other D.C. Museums. We bought a timed ticket as other visitors recommend that. We walked there from our hotel as we were not sure if there is parking space nearby and struggled to find it, even though we used Google map on our phone. Once we reached, we were in quickly and enjoyed the place. However, one of the daughters lost interest after about two hours. Considering that the ticket price is between $30 and $40, I suppose we did not get our money's worth. But that is not the museum's fault. After the visit, we wanted to have dinner, but did not see anything nearby. So we took an Uber to a restaurant.
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Raj B.

Yelp
We came here for a guided tour during a small get-together of dc area cyber security professionals that was being held at the same location. The guided tour by the museum director was awesome and informative, I especially enjoyed the cyber section. The meeting venue was on the second floor away from the madding crowd and noise of the museum. For those that may not know, this museum requires an entry fee to be paid and it is best that you make a reservation couple of weeks in advance. Also, there is a capital parking garage nearby that can be used for parking.
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BrownShades S.

Yelp
I loved the variety of historical gadgets, history, and visuals. They did good with this one, and having the card to engage in a digital interactive activity also adds to the allure and fun. If you don't like learning history this might not be your kinda thing (but I mean, it's a museum). I still believe it appeals to a lot of people. Nice experience!
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Katie N.

Yelp
Super cool museum. I received a complimentary ticket from my hotel. At first, I thought it wasn't going to be crowded because I was the only person in my debriefing room. However, there were 2 larger school groups in front of me. As a result, I had to either wait or pass them to look at the exhibits. I found it very interesting and interactive. Check it out!
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Shirin B.

Yelp
First of all, I want to give a shoutout to a girl working at the front desk named Julia! We didn't know there were time slots for entry and hadn't booked tickets in advance. The next time slot was too late for us to fit in. We went into the gift shop to grab a few items and Julia came hunting us down because someone canceled their tickets last minute and she went out of her way to find us so that she could fit us in! So, if anyone from management is reading this, keep her around, she's a great employee!! Now, for the experience. The museum was interactive and informative and definitely worth the entry cost. They put a lot of thought into the layout, and would definitely recommend!
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Elizabeth E.

Yelp
Fun! Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours to really explore everything. Lots of interactive, multi-media exhibits. The Bond experience is not worth the extra cost. It's cool if you have seen every Bond movie.
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Scott B.

Yelp
The International Spy Museum in DC was very educational and cool. Self touring will take several hours to see everything and participate in the spy games.
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Nicole R.

Yelp
My daughter wanted to come here for her 9th bday & it did not disappoint! It was very hands on & entertaining. The customer service was also great.
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Shernell H.

Yelp
This is such an eye opening museum. It is very informative, fun, and interactive. When you reserve your spot online for approximately $35, you are prompted to select a time slot, which seems to control the amount of people in the museum at one time or possibly just at the same starting point. One thing to note is that the museum is massive with a ton of information, so it will take time to consume all the information. It may even require multiple visits. Lastly, their gift center has so much cute, cleaver/witty gifts.
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Kiah R.

Yelp
I had fun at the museum and love learning new things. At the beginning it is very interactive with many things to do, you can make decisions with people and play different games. Then there is a lot to read but it was very educational and you learned how spies disguise themselves when they are in the field. After there is a good amount of reading after the interactive part. I suggest getting here by the metro, it is a bit pricey but there is a lot of things to learn and a good amount of interactive bits they have here.
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Heily P.

Yelp
I was a little apprehensive, not sure if this was for children but it is absolutely more of an adult place. Went with friends and we all loved it. Had read most people spend like 1.5-2 hours there but we spent 3. Their exhibits are so well done and so much info. I loved it beginning to end and highly recommend.
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Mydalya C.

Yelp
The new location is gorgeous. Amazing views from the rooftop! I can't speak much on the museum itself because I was there for a comedy show hosted there, but I'm intrigued enough to go and scope it out for myself soon!