International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.

Sancerres at Sunset

From an Aston Martin DB5 like James Bond’s to the ice axe used to kill Leon Trotsky, the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., features the largest collection of espionage artifacts.

It’s the only museum in America dedicated to espionage and its place in history.  In a city filled with fabulous museums, it’s one of the most popular.

Approximately 600,000 people visit the Museum annually.  I went most recently with some family members visiting from out of town.  Here’s what to expect:

Briefing Center

You and your fellow "agents" take an elevator to the fifth floor to discover your secret spy identity, along with essential details like your alter ego's home city and occupation.

Stealing Secrets

The “Spies and Spymasters” exhibit brings to life six stories of historic figures, including Revolutionary War slave-turned-spy James Armistead Lafayette.  

Making Sense of Secrets

This gallery explores various historical methods, such as codes and ciphers, used to conceal message meanings.

Covert Action

In this gallery, visitors learn about the techniques used to influence world events — and the ways they can go wrong.  It covers everything from propaganda to assassination. 

Spying That Shaped History

“Spying that Launched a Nation” is an intriguing exhibit teaching how George Washington used espionage to defeat the British empire. 

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