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The International Spy MuseumA Peak into Washington D.C.’s Most Secretive Exhibit
Washington D.C.'s International Spy Museum allows tourists to be immersed in the mysterious world of espionage with interactive displays and informational exhibits.
A dark corridor casts many shadows along the roped-off walkway leading into Washington, D.C.’s International Spy Museum. Hidden among the national monuments and other historical museums, this covert location exposes more secrets than Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys combined. “The International Spy Museum is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on an all-but-invisible profession that has shaped history and continues to have a significant impact on world events,” said Amanda Abrell, Media Relations Manager for the International Spy Museum. The History of MysteryMany heroes in history will never be remembered, simply because people did not know they existed. They were invisible to the human eye, yet always waiting, lurking, watching and listening in the shadows. Their true identities were kept private and unknown. They exposed secrets and exchanged classified, top-secret information. These people lived in the secretive and seductive lifestyle of espionage. With its grand opening in July of 2002, Washington’s International Spy Museum exposed these secrets. The three-story museum is historically informative, interactive and family friendly. Hidden in on the 800 block of F Street in the North West district of Washington, only the most curious and inquisitive are able to immerse themselves in this mysterious world of espionage. Since 1996, contacts from the International Spy Museum worked closely with the District of Columbia Historical Preservation Division to carefully preserve the five historical buildings that make up the museum. The authenticity and accuracy of this museum was important to the museum’s portrayal of espionage. A View from the InsideOnce they step inside, visitors can take on an identity unlike their own and unknown to others. On an adventure through silver and metallic rooms, there is an array of electronics and secretive devices that would make even Inspector Gadget jealous. Old hidden cameras are displayed in coat buttons, watches, lighters, and pens. One feature of the International Spy Museum deals with spy training. After choosing a new identity, a short video briefs the guests on what it takes for a person to become a professional spy. They are then allowed into another room to begin their journey through three floors of hidden surveillance, secrets and mystery. “Many guests are drawn to the “School for Spies” exhibit that features the real tools of the trade on display and actually tests the guests spy skills through various interactive devices,” says Abrell. Once you venture into and through these buildings, you will emerge with a more acute awareness of your environment. The world that you think you know will suddenly seem quite different. Whether you sleuthed around the house as a young boy pretending to be Dick Tracy, helped Nancy Drew crack the case or have wanted to answer the question ‘where in the world is Carmen San Diego,’ something will catch your eye or spark your interest at the International Spy Museum. This museum accommodates all of those teenagers who unsuccessfully tried to sneak out of the house as well as any child who’s curious and nosy questions are unceasing. “I think the International Spy Museum is often at the top of the list of destinations DC visitors will want to see,” said Abrell.
The copyright of the article The International Spy Museum in Washington DC Travel is owned by Christina Martinez. Permission to republish The International Spy Museum in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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