Visit DC: International Spy Museum

I love a good spy movie, but after visiting the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, my interest (and paranoia!) in espionage only grew.

The International Spy Museum hosts a variety of exhibits focusing on the history, objects, processes, and people who have participated and influenced the world of espionage.

A visit to the International Spy Museum begins with Covers & Legends, where each guest must assume an identity.

Upon "entry," you'll be asked certain questions, and given more facts to memorize to "depart," so live your cover well!

We also watched a short film that briefly covered real-life spies.

After the film, we explored a number of exhibits, many of which were interactive, that gave us a closer look at the tools and people integral to this undercover world.

The exhibits were so intriguing.  I was amazed at how sophisticated the equipment spies used were in real life!

James Bond fans will love the Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of Bond Villains exhibit!

I had no idea how much espionage played (and continues to play) such a huge role in our world.

I learned so much at the International Spy Museum - from the various reasons why people turn to espionage, to the prominent figures that delve into spying (I was surprised to learn about so many celebrities and historical figures who were involved in spying), and the major world events that were a result of spying.

The kids loved the museum too, especially all of the hands-on exhibits!  They enjoyed seeing if they could spot the spies and had fun trying to decipher codes.

Each child was given a "Top Secret Family Missions" scavenger hunt booklet, in which they had to search for clues at various exhibits and complete different tasks, like crawling through a duct very quietly and identifying the language spoken in a conversation.

Their favorite activity was the "Dead Drop Mission," where they had to find 5 dead drops (secret locations) with a code word to make a message.

Looking for the code word at one of the dead drops

The International Spy Museum is such a great place for all ages!

International Spy Museum
800 F St NW

Washington, DC 20004
(202) 393-7798

Mahalo to the sponsor for the complimentary admission.