Place of the week: International Spy Museum

The spy industry survives on its own implicit secrecy, so that’s probably why we find the idea of the International Spy Museum so fascinating—it opens doors that you’ve only been able to imagine from the array of Hollywood spy blockbusters. From the very beginning, the tour puts visitors in the shoes of a spy, assigning everyone a secret identity and testing memory and observational skills at video-screen checkpoints along the way. The rest of the museum is mostly informational, with a smattering of interactive games and exhibits along the way—plus a chance to crawl through ductwork above the exhibit rooms and eavesdrop on simulated conversations below. The Spy Museum has an extensive collection of spy gadgets, from a gun disguised as a tube of lipstick to a pair of glasses that hide a dose of cyanide. The history involved is perhaps the best part: learn about little-known spymasters Harriet Tubman, Moses, and George Washington, then see the espionage-tinged back-story behind events that have changed the world, from Pearl Harbor to the Cold War. Plan on arriving first thing in the morning in order to get the most bang for your buck; otherwise, the huge crowds will really detract from the experience. The interactive features are fun, but if there are large waves of people coming through, you likely won’t get a chance to try them out anyway. If this is the case, grab a bite at the café or check out the gift shop for some cool spy-themed souvenirs.

The International Spy Museum
800 F St., NW, Washington, D.C.
Phone: 202 393 7798
Web: www.spymuseum.org