International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum offers an engaging, hands-on experience as well as fascinating exhibits. Visits start at the Briefing Center, where you’ll get a covert identity, and galleries cover topics like stealing secrets and covert action. Highlights include listening devices, a World War II submarine, and the axe that killed Soviet leader Leon Trotsky.

Avoid lines at this popular museum by pre-booking admission and taking advantage of mobile ticketing. A visit can be combined with a trip to the National Mall or Capitol Hill, or can be made in conjunction with tours on Washington DC hop-on hop-off buses.

• The Spy Museum is great for families and for those interested in espionage.

• Purchased tickets are valid for 15-minute windows; if you do not arrive on time, you may have to wait for another open slot.

• You’ll need two to three hours to explore this sizable museum.

• Luggage can be stored in the free lockers on site.

• Strollers are not allowed in the galleries; you can store your stroller in the Lobby Cloak Room.

• The Spy Museum is fully accessible for guests with disabilities.

The International Spy Museum is located at 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, south of the National Mall. It is walking distance from several sights (including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial) and near the L'Enfant metro station. Many hop-on hop-off bus tours stop just outside the museum.

The International Spy Museum is open seven days a week, all year round. The museum is a popular weekend destination, and it can be crowded during peak summer tourist season, so to secure a time slot, pre-book discounted tickets online and plan to visit early in the day or during the off-season, between September and February.

With so many must-see attractions, DC is a destination where costs can add up. Fortunately, visitors who plan ahead can save money by purchasing area passes: For a dose of culture, get a multi-attraction pass, which allows you to choose from dozens of popular museums and historic sights. If you prefer exploring the city, opt for a single- or multi-day sightseeing pass, which typically includes hop-on hop-off bus tours and water taxi rides.

Plan on spending two to three hours visiting the Spy Museum. There are dozens of interactive exhibits and plenty to read about and explore, so you want to treat yourself to an unrushed experience. International Spy Museum tickets are valid for the whole day, and you can re-enter with your ticket after leaving.

The museum is designed for visitors aged 9 and up, but all ages are welcome. Younger children may feel restless seeing the collections on both floors—for younger kids, target the fifth floor and skip most of the fourth. Download the Family Highlight Guide from the museum website ahead of time.

No. The museum doesn’t have a café or restaurant, although the Spy Museum Store stocks chilled drinks and some snacks. For heartier bites, you’ll need to leave the museum (re-entry with ticket is allowed). The L’Enfant Plaza food court is a stone’s throw away, as are other dining options.

Yes. Guided International Spy Museum tours cost extra, and they’re only available for private events (think corporate gathering vs. kid birthday). Guided tours are often hosted by former intelligence officers or historians, so they offer a behind-the-scenes peek at the world of espionage. Scavenger hunts (18 and up recommended) can also be arranged.

Yes. The Spy Museum is accessible to visitors using wheelchairs, and a limited number of manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the Information Desk. The museum has an elevator between floors and exhibits and accessible restrooms. A complimentary tour for blind visitors is available on request.

There’s no wrong time to visit the International Spy Museum. Ticket entry is timed, and advanced purchase is recommended—with tickets available up to 30 days ahead. The museum is popular on weekends, so come on a quieter weekday if possible. To further avoid the crowds, try the beginning of the day.