I consider myself a museum expert, and I adore this museum. Once you get over the expensive admission fee (Hey, you're not at the Smithsonian anymore, Toto) and the crazy crowds, it's museum-tastic.... More

I consider myself a museum expert, and I adore this museum. Once you get over the expensive admission fee (Hey, you're not at the Smithsonian anymore, Toto) and the crazy crowds, it's museum-tastic. The Spy Museum tries to both educate and immerse you in the world of a spy from your first moment in the door. I love the interactive exhibits and galleries, and I found all of the artifacts really, really interesting. I've been on the FBI tour before, but something about this museum brings the topic to life a little more. My biggest complaint, which is shared by other reviewers, is how they handle crowd-control-- and by that, I mean they don't. For as much as I enjoyed the exhibits, the hundreds of screaming children pushing buttons, smacking signs, and touching the "do not touch" areas drove me insane. There are so many interactive areas here, but if the crowds are immense, it's hard to edge yourself in to a touch-screen or headset. Be warned that a weekend visit during the summer will make you want to pull your hair out. But if you can manage to go when it's less crowded (in DC? When is that??), the Spy Museum is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.
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Well, since September 11th, they're not letting people in for the FBI tour anymore, so the Spy Museum is really the place to get a feel for the history of espionage. Although it could be the most... More

Well, since September 11th, they're not letting people in for the FBI tour anymore, so the Spy Museum is really the place to get a feel for the history of espionage. Although it could be the most fun museum in the city due to its fascinating contect and level of interactivity, I did not give it five stars because this museum has a serious problem. They have a lack of space. During peak tourist season, it gets so crowded that you can't even make it up to the all the displays without getting shoved around. This would be a problem under most ciccumstances anyways, but the situation is exacerbated by the fact it's one of the few museums in the city where you have to pay an admission fee to get in.
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This is a one of a kind museum, with a lot of information on espionage. The tickets are slight expensive. Of course, they do provide a lot of information and visuals. They can have more sit-down... More

This is a one of a kind museum, with a lot of information on espionage. The tickets are slight expensive. Of course, they do provide a lot of information and visuals. They can have more sit-down visuals, rather then standing up and reading displays. Its a lot of information for one day. I recommend this place, but come early and wear good, supportive shoes. Customers aren't allowed to take pictures inside. Ofcourse, there is vent inside the museum, which customers are allowed in, and if you can't resist, you can take a picture there.
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The International Spy Museum is a great trip for schools and families! This museum teaches you about being a spy and with all the different fun things to do there, they make you feel like a spy! ... More

The International Spy Museum is a great trip for schools and families! This museum teaches you about being a spy and with all the different fun things to do there, they make you feel like a spy! You can secretly watch people and listen to their conversations without them knowing! This museum entertains people of all ages. The price is reasonable, and the memories will last a lifetime!
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This is one of the coolest new(ish) sites in DC. The Spy Museum is chock full of all historical spy exhibits and interactive games, tunnels, climbing areas, gear and more. This place is heaven. It... More

This is one of the coolest new(ish) sites in DC. The Spy Museum is chock full of all historical spy exhibits and interactive games, tunnels, climbing areas, gear and more. This place is heaven. It has James Bond's car on one side, and Enigma machines on the other. There are extremely long waits, so get tickets early, but whatever you do, check out the gift shop.
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I was really excited about the opening of the Spy Museum downtown, but I was somewhat disappointed after I visited. The price of admission was really high (I want to say $15), and there was way too... More

I was really excited about the opening of the Spy Museum downtown, but I was somewhat disappointed after I visited. The price of admission was really high (I want to say $15), and there was way too much reading. While the reading was no doubt informative, you want a spy museum to be like a Bond movie: more entertainment than substance. Unfortunately the museum has chosen to focus on the more mundane aspects of spying. Try for yourself, but I'm not sure I'd recommend taking out of town guests or kids there.
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The curators of the Spy Museum took on a daunting task - dispelling the glamorous James Bond myths and exposing the mundane work of espionage for what it is. By all accounts they succeeded; this... More

The curators of the Spy Museum took on a daunting task - dispelling the glamorous James Bond myths and exposing the mundane work of espionage for what it is. By all accounts they succeeded; this museum shows what it's really like to be a spy, and it's _really_ cool. All the most interesting parts of espionage are artfully revealed to a willing audience. They know you've been jaded; they know how to tell you what it's really like. It's fascinating, authentic, and sometimes terrifying. Plan to spend at least half a day here.
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While the museum boasts such interesting attractions as a full-sized and functional James Bond-style car and crawlable air ducts, the most interesting stuff is included in the dozens of... More

While the museum boasts such interesting attractions as a full-sized and functional James Bond-style car and crawlable air ducts, the most interesting stuff is included in the dozens of informational placards that accompany the exhibits. While the interactive stuff is great for the kids, curious adults may find themselves wanting to spend much more time there than their younger counterparts. Also, the gift shop is rife with cool spy toys that kids will surely want to delve into, and with some steep prices, adults probably won't be nearly as excited. With so much other free stuff around to choose from, put this one on the bottom of the list.
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