What is the International Spy Museum?
The International Spy Museum is the first and only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on this all-but-invisible profession. It features the largest collection of international spy-related artifacts ever placed on public display. The stories of individual spies, told through film, interactives, and state-of-the-art exhibits, provide a dynamic context to foster an understanding of espionage and its impact on current and historic events. In addition to the Museum, the Complex includes a Museum Store, private dining and event facilities, and two restaurants: Zola and Spy City Café.
_Back to topWho owns the Museum?
The Museum is the creation of The Malrite Company. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, The Malrite Company develops innovative museums and educational projects across the country. Its collaborative creative team consists of research directors, top museum and exhibition designers, innovative video and computer developers, and leading architects and interior designers.
_Back to topWhat is the International Spy Museum's mission?
The mission of the International Spy Museum is to educate the public about espionage in an engaging manner and to provide a dynamic context that fosters understanding of its important role in, and impact on, current and historic events. In the words of the Museum's Founder and Chairman, Milton Maltz: "The International Spy Museum is more than history - more than information or entertainment - its mission is to reflect the significance of intelligence as a critical component of national security."
_Back to topWhat else can the International Spy Museum contribute?
The Museum contributes to the public's understanding of the critical role of intelligence in the world throughout history to the present day. The Museum has tremendous potential to contribute to future research, publication, and public discussion about the world of espionage, including counterintelligence, tradecraft, covert action, counterterrorism, and the breakthrough developments in science and technology that have so characterized our times.
_Back to topHow can the Museum maintain a non-political and international perspective?
The Museum presents the world history of espionage within a context that will allow visitors to draw their own judgments and conclusions. The focus of the International Spy Museum is on human intelligence, not political ideology.
_Back to topIs the International Spy Museum affiliated with any government or intelligence agencies?
No. The International Spy Museum is a private and independent entity with no links to any government agency, foreign or domestic. The Museum has reached out to intelligence communities to ensure an international perspective for the exhibits and to brief all relevant organizations about the Museum's goals. A number of the Museum's Board Members are former leaders of the international intelligence community, ensuring the visitor experience to be as authentic and unbiased as possible.
_Back to topAre there other "spy" museums?
The subject of espionage is addressed at several other institutions both nationally and internationally, including Moscow's KGB Museum, an exhibit within London's Imperial War Museum, and locally at the NSA's National Cryptologic Museum. Unlike the International Spy Museum, they focus on a specific time period or event and/or approach the subject from one nation's point of view. The International Spy Museum is the first and only museum of its kind that does not limit its interpretation of espionage by geography or specific time periods.
_Back to topWhere is the International Spy Museum located?
The International Spy Museum is located at 800 F Street, NW in Washington, DC's historic Pennsylvania Quarter neighborhood. It is within four blocks of the National Mall, directly across the street from the National Portrait Gallery, steps away from the MCI Center, and within one block of FBI headquarters. The Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail Station is within one block of the Museum Complex. DIRECTIONS
_Back to topWhat about parking for visitors coming by car?
There are several parking lots and garages within a few blocks of the Museum. These include: an underground parking garage on 9th Street near the corner of 9th & G Streets, NW; and an underground garage on D Street between 8th and 9th Streets, NW. The Museum is also surrounded by metered street parking.
_Back to topWhat are the operating hours of the Museum?
The Museum hours are subject to change; for the most up-to-date information, visit our Hours page or phone our SPY-line: p] 202.393.7798 (202.EYE.SPY.U). The Museum is closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The museum opens daily from 10:00PM - 6:00PM. Last admission is one hour prior to closing. The museum hours extend for holidays, Spring Break and Summer.
_Back to topWhy does the International Spy Museum charge admission?
The International Spy Museum is privately owned and operated with the goal of becoming a self-sustaining Museum completely independent of tax money or government funding. Admission fees, together with restaurant, retail, and membership revenue, support the Museum's research, preservation, and educational programs.
_Back to topHow much is Admission to the Museum?
General Admission tickets are $19.95 for Adults; $14.95 for Seniors (ages 65+), Active Duty Military, and Law Enforcement; and $13.95 for Youth ages 7 to 17. Children age 6 and under are free. Please note that prices do not include tax. Groups of 10 or more qualify for reduced group admission rates. Please utilize our Group Reservation Request Form to inquire about availability and to expedite the Group Reservation process. Once you have completed the request form, you will be contacted within 24 hours by a member of the Group Sales team to discuss availability and to set up an account for your planned visit. If you would prefer to speak with a Group Sales Representative (9:00AM - 6:00PM M-F EST) please don't hesitate to call 202.654.0942 or 202.654.0964.
_Back to topIs the Museum appropriate for children and school groups?
While children of all ages are welcome, children ages 12 and older will gain the most from the exhibits which often include text panels and interactive displays. Student groups are accepted beginning at the fifth grade. PROGRAMS
_Back to topDoes the International Spy Museum comply with ADA requirements for visitors with disabilities?
The International Spy Museum fully complies with all ADA requirements for visitors with disabilities. In addition, wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis upon request for elderly and disabled visitors; and sign language interpretation (for public programs only) is available with two week advanced notice. The Museum also offers a TTY number for the hearing impaired: p] 202.654.0977. Plan a visit
_Back to topHow large is the Museum?
The International Spy Museum Complex encompasses 64,000 square feet. Over 20,000 square feet make up the permanent exhibition space.
_Back to topWhat do visitors experience at the Museum?
The International Spy Museum experience begins with an orientation to the techniques, tools, and other tradecraft associated with espionage. Visitors watch a Briefing Film and tour the "School for Spies," where 200 artifacts are displayed. The latter also includes interactive exhibits about audio surveillance, threat analysis, and maintaining one's cover. Visitors use this newfound knowledge throughout the rest of the Museum as they explore two floors of intimate galleries that trace the history of espionage from biblical times to the present day. Exhibits feature stories of real spies, their missions, their fates, and how their espionage affected some of the most pivotal moments in world history. The Museum experience concludes with a film about the significance of intelligence in the 21st Century.
_Back to topHow has the Museum's collection been built?
The Museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display, bringing to life the stories of the men and women who used these objects in some of the most secret espionage missions in world history. These artifacts, created by or for intelligence services around the world, have been obtained from a variety of sources. Museum curators conducted extensive global research, often with the help of private collectors and former intelligence officers, to locate artifacts. While some objects are a permanent part of the Museum's collection, others are on loan from international collectors in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, and elsewhere.
_Back to topHow is the collection presented?
From concealment devices, sabotage weapons, and cipher machines to dead drops, secret writings and microdots, the quality of the Museum's collection is unlike any other public institution in the world. Organized in a permanent exhibition, the collection serves as a foundation from which the stories of the men and women who used these objects come to life. These artifacts are supported with historic photographs, interactive exhibits, dramatic audio-visual programming, and film to offer a hands-on and "immersive" museum experience, one that transports the visitor to another time and place with each exhibit space — places populated by some of the least known but most influential figures of the clandestine world.
_Back to topHow much of the Museum is about James Bond and Popular Culture?
Only 5 percent of the Museum is devoted to exhibits referencing the influence real-life espionage has had on popular culture, and vice versa. We trust that our visitors will discover that the real-life stories of espionage are far more than interesting fiction.
_Back to topWhat facilities are available for private dining and events?
The Museum Complex offers a variety of private dining facilities for both intimate and grand scale events. In addition to Zola's private dining room, the spacious Loft Event Rooms, Atlas Meeting Rooms, and Spy City Café, the entire 64,000 square foot Museum Complex may be reserved for an exclusive event. Facility Rental/Private Dining: 202.654.2852 or Sandra Holley, Private Dining Manager sholley@zoladc.com
_Back to topWhat kinds of programs and events does the Museum offer?
The Museum offers lectures, films, book-signings, and family activities related to espionage featuring people involved in espionage and those who study and write about them. These programs take a thoughtful and thought-provoking look at a wide range of historic and contemporary topics and issues. They provide "behind the scenes" information and new insights into world affairs. For more information, visit our Calendar.
_Back to topI am a journalist researching a story
All media inquiries should be directed to Amy Carthew: p] 202.654.0929 or acarthew@spymuseum.org. The Museum's Press Room is also a resource for journalists.
_Back to topWho do I speak with concerning advertising opportunities for the International Spy Museum?
All advertising calls should be directed to the Museum's advertising agency, MDB Creative at 202.835.0774
_Back to topWhere can I find out about employment opportunities at the Museum?
Employment opportunities are detailed on the Museum's website here. The Museum is committed to giving preference to qualified candidates who reside in Washington, DC, and posts all job listings on the DC Department of Employment Services' First Source listing, found at dcnetworks.org.
_Back to topWhere can I find more information about the International Spy Museum?
The website spymuseum.org offers the most detailed and up-to-date information about the Museum. Recorded information is also available on the 24-Hour SPY-Line: p] 202.393.7798 (202.EYE.SPY.U).
_Back to topCan the museum help identify and appraise artifacts?
The International Spy Museum is unable to answer queries regarding the identification and appraisal of artifacts.
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