International Spy Museum, Washington: Photos, Reviews & Location

Interactive look at the history of espionage features a large collection of spy artifacts & devices.

At a glance

#222 of 255 Tourist attractions in Washington #55 of 59 Museums in Washington

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.40

1.5 km from the center of Washington

Rating breakdown

5 ★63%
4 ★22%
3 ★9%
2 ★3%
1 ★3%

What reviewers talk about

Share of 15 recent reviews that mention each topic.

Price & value27%
Service & staff27%
Waiting & crowds13%
Location13%
Cleanliness13%

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

spymuseum.org

+1 202-393-7798

Photos of International Spy Museum (484)

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International Spy Museum, Washington – photo 1

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Quick facts

What is the rating of International Spy Museum?: International Spy Museum is rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 25,504 reviews.
How does International Spy Museum rank in Washington?: International Spy Museum is #222 of 255 Tourist attractions in Washington by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is International Spy Museum located?: 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States — 1.5 km from the center of Washington.
What do visitors mention most about International Spy Museum?: Most often: price & value, service & staff, waiting & crowds (from 15 recent reviews).
How can I contact International Spy Museum?: Phone: +1 202-393-7798 · Website: spymuseum.org

Reviews (15)

Recca B 2023 Dec 14

I never got to go to the original Spy museum installation in its smaller location. This new building is beautifully laid out, taking up two very large floors on top of the building. The exhibits are interactive and interesting for both kids and adults. And the exhibits are set up in such a way that you can walk around most of them, discovering more information and allowing more people to take in more of each exhibit up close! Fairly innovative for museum displays. Highly recommended for kids, museum lovers, and adults that love spy movies/books.

Margaret Eva 2023 Dec 10

Visited here for a quick day trip. The check in process was very easy and swift. The museum was affordably priced. The exhibits were interesting and interactive. The museum was clean and well lit. Easily accessible for everyone and kid friendly. I would have liked for an easier access to go back up if you took a break from the exhibit. But overall this was a good museum. I would visit again.

JonnyBeoulve 2023 Dec 08

I greatly enjoyed my visit here. The building is new and absolutely full of relics that are worthy of your attention. Expect to spend at least 2 hours here given the abuse of collections and interactive media. Made better, the staff were friendly and outgoing.

Dewansh Rastogi 2023 Nov 28

For museum enthusiasts willing to invest in a unique experience, this destination is a must-visit. Prepare to immerse yourself in an incredible journey that may extend beyond four hours, making it a worthy addition to your bucket list. Arriving in the first half of the day enhances the enjoyment of the spy-themed experience offered here.

The museum boasts an impressive array of gadgets, props, and tools utilized by spies throughout history. Engaging narratives unfold, shedding light on espionage's profound impact on lives and history. The staff's helpful demeanor adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making the exploration both educational and fun.

As a bonus, visitors can assume the role of a spy on a captivating mission, creating a truly memorable experience. The museum provides a well-stocked gift shop, ensuring you can take a piece of the adventure home. Clean restroom facilities and nearby paid parking lots contribute to the overall convenience.

Conveniently located within walking distance from the L'Enfant Plaza metro station, accessibility is not an issue. This museum promises an immersive and enjoyable journey into the intriguing world of spying and espionage.

Karen 2023 Nov 11

So much to see! The estimated time for most visitors is 2 1/2 to three hours. We were there almost six! Every exhibit was wonderfully presented with easy to read information. Many had video and/or audio information as well. The interactive exhibits were informative and thought-provoking. We did not get to experience all of the interactive kiosks; there were many people, and some kiosks were not functioning properly, but the "mission" was informative, enjoyable, and added a bit of fun to the experience.
The best thing about the museum, in my opinion, is that no one was portrayed as "the bad guy". History and biography of every agent and handler - no matter the country - presented all the information in an all-inclusive, non-judgemental manner. It truly drives home the idea that one country's hero is another country's enemy.

Carmelita Hanks 2023 Oct 01

We finally experienced the Spy Museum, and it was everything we thought it would be. It was a very smooth layout and well put together as we transitioned to each area. You get an opportunity to get a special mission that you can try and work through during your tour. There were a lot of artifacts and stories to assist with the explanation of what each device was used for and during what time. I really enjoyed hearing and learning about women involvement and their lead roles within the agency. The museum was very high-tech as you would imagine. It was a fun and interesting experience and I would return again. It's worth a visit for people of all ages.

B Williams 2023 Sep 04

I loved getting to look around at all the cool gadgets and all the history behind them. The game that you are supposed to do was fun until I lost my card, but that's my fault and I think it would have been loads more fun if I hadn't. Overall I wish I had been able to spend more time there, I sadly had to spring through the last section to leave in time for my tour group. I enjoyed every part and wish I could go again.

Travis Wilkins 2023 Aug 17

Really well done and a fun experience. Tremendous interactive technology and so many different opportunities to learn about ‘spies,’ and historical accounts. They also have an amazing section of books in the gift shop. Family friendly and I would go there on my own as an adult too.

CM WH 2023 Aug 13

Excellently curated, super fun place! We all loved the interactive spaces, and there was so much to learn. We left with amazement at all the ways spies have perfected their craft. The gift shop was filled with so many interesting items, we could’ve stayed there longer as well.

Erik Makic 2023 Jul 30

Amazing museum! Plenty of enjoyable exhibits for any age, child-senior. Almost too many things to say and read for a single visit. The undercover spy card you get upon entry is really fun, but if you want to be able to do all the activities try and aim for a less busy time of day.

Rebecca Currin 2023 Jul 17

The SPY Museum was amazing! Not only does it contain countless artifacts and history, it is highly INTERACTIVE! When you arrive you get a tag, and go to a kiosk where you are given an identity based on a few questions. As you go through the museum, at the end of each section you complete a checkpoint based on what that section was about. For example one checkpoint you have to code break. They also have lots of hands on displays, a duct crawl, a how long can you hang challenge. At the end you see if you completed your mission and it tells you your strengths. Highly recommend if you are in DC! Great for kids.
Book earlier than later!

Ariel Bonk 2023 Jul 11

We really enjoyed our visit to the International Spy Museum!

Our favorite part was the secret mission aspect of the museum. From getting your secret identity, to solving puzzles, and trying to complete your mission.

It really brought the interactiveness of the museum to a whole different level.

Our group ranged in age from 18-37 and we all enjoyed our visit!

Definitely make sure you buy your tickets in advance they sell out!

Jeff Panaka 2023 Jul 09

Great museum. Was not horribly busy at 10 AM on a Sunday. There were some crowds but nothing too horrible. The museum is slick and well put together. It’s interactive as well with the guest getting to complete a spy museum as they progress Through the museum. Best exhibit here is the assassination exhibit. It’s contents should be self evident. 5/5.

Al Liang 2022 Feb 22

they said the recommended time to spend here is 2 hours when we entered, but we ended up staying for 7.5 hours because I read every single piece of text in the building. definitely recommend getting early tickets if you want to devour the entire museum’s content. a really fun and interesting time delving into the history of espionage and related topics!

Andreja Kovač 2022 Feb 15

Very cool museum for anyone who enjoys James Bond movies or spy thrillers.

The museum offers a great blend of interactive activities with educational components. It's very entertaining for experts spy nerds and people who know nothing about spying.

You will see ingenious devices that were used for spying and learn about how spies use technology. You will learn about great female spies. At the end of your visit pick up a small gift at the cool museum shop; I chose wooden and metal puzzles that play with perception and my family members loved their little gifts.