International Spy Museum; Don't Get Locked Out
Written: Mar 30 '07 (Updated Apr 11 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Comprehensive, fun and enlightening
Cons: Heard it gets very busy in high season
The Bottom Line: This museum was more fun than I expected. It was larger and had more material than I thought. I spent near three hours and still didn't see enough.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: International Spy Museum |
Earlier this month I spent a day in Washington DC on my own before meeting a group of fellow writers and associates from Epinions.com. I had eleven hours on my own in town to do whatever I wished. After reading some reviews of the place, I wished to visit the International Spy Museum. I'm very glad I did.
Sneaking In Undetected
Well I'm sure you can't get in undetected but I do have some information that may get you in untroubled or at least not waiting for hours opr getting locked out.
I was there fairly early, perhaps 11AM. Because the spring season weather hadn't yet warmed the city there weren't huge crowds and both paying for the tickets and final entry took but ten minutes. I understand it can be much longer in the high summer season when tourists flock to DC.
You can purchase tickets ahead of time through ticketmaster there is a link through the Spy Museum's site. I believe that a good idea in high season even if it costs an extra fee. The tickets are date and time specific so you know you will gain entry without a problem. It would be a shame to be in town and get locked out of the exhibit. Outside the museum is a sign stating which hours are being served. On my slow, off season day, none were.
Become A Spy
This museum offers both information and amusement. Upon entry to the briefing room we were able to become a spy ourselves by assuming one of the given names and the corresponding information of that person. We were to commit the information to memory and be prepared to be interrogated later. We had a choice of many roles from an assortment of nations to be a spy from.
I was a Russian spy my name was...Mmm I forgot. I do remember I was from the city of...whoops, don't remember that either. I can tell you I was in the US as a fisherman for five days to visit a family member...I think. I suppose I wouldn't be a good spy although I did have some good short term memory and got through my first interrogation that day and then picked up an assignment.
Be sure to assume an identity. The interrogation is done via a keyboard and window so there isn't much pressure. Of course there may be people looking over your should as you enter your answers.
If you do pass the test, you will be given an assignment. Once again more information must be committed to memory. Near the journey's end in the museum be sure to find a monitor and see if you can manage the scrutiny of the final questions.
There weren't many of these monitors so a busy day could bring a wait. I had no problem walking up to a free monitor. Did I pass the test the final interrogation...I'll tell you later.
The other rooms in the beginning taught one how to be a spy and the tools needed. This was the School for Spies area. I learn how to pick a lock in just five seconds. Well maybe I can't but they do show the tricks and tools of how to do it.
More Spying Than a James Bond Flick
In the many, many rooms that follow time will be needed to read about all the gadgets and the history of spying through the ages. There are rooms dedicated to the different eras, many you may not expect and many surprises too. I never thought I would find myself in a bomb shelter during the cold war days. Memories of hiding under desks during atomic bomb drills in my school days came flooding back.
The story of many true spies are interwoven with tools of the business. From ancient times through the cold war and into the present there are many stories, audio visual displays, and perhaps the most fun, hands-on, interactive computer programs. These were very popular. I had to fight my way through a bunch of young teens waiting to play on these monitors. Actually, I was a good guy and behaved, waiting my turn.
I did have some serious competition at one computer generated game when I was in a race against two other people to name threats to our undercover persona as we simultaneously looked for hostile security, unexpected risks or unlucky breaks on computers that were linked together. I quickly recognised the police officer on a street corner but was caught by a bad break when an old school friend recognized me. All make believe but a fun challenge.
It was also interesting though to see real and make believe spy tools including displays about carrier pigeons to actually seeing one of James Bond's gadget filled cars.
TVs pop culture was also talked about. I remember "I Spy" and Maxwell Smart in "Get Smart". I didn't see anything about Jack Bauer saving the world in "24" through the spy network of CTU but, that doesn't mean it wasn't there. The museum is much larger and more comprehensive than I thought it would be. The hefty price of $16 for an adult was well worth it through my eyes Again I was alone. The family price could get pretty steep. It was few dollars less for kids and seniors. Silly me, I didn't ask what age is considered senior. I do get senior discounts at many hotels being over 55.
It was also interesting that day to see an exhibit in the International Spy Museum about Josephine Baker being a spy and later in that same day I saw a three room art show in the Smithsonian American Museum of Art and Portrait Museum all about her.
Some Interesting Facts
The buildings the International Spy Museum is were built in the 1800s. They were used by many different tenants over the years. I did find it interesting to know that the American Communist Party offices were once set up in one of these buildings.
Though the restoration of these buildings hold the look and feel of the 19th century the inside of the museum is quite different. Most of it is high tech looking and very modern. That said, we are taken into many rooms of different periods of time. It was the transformation of place and time that I found extremely helpful in setting the mood for that period of time's espionage.
A Few More Things
I should now mention that when I was interrogated near the end of the museum I failed. The trap door beneath me opened sending me into the dark basement where I was quickly blind folded and hand cuffed. I was then put in a jail cell until the nastiest looking...OK, maybe I'm exaggerating. I simply failed and the computer told me so. I was not given more information to absorb. I'm just glad I was not hanged or shot like some of the spies shown.
I was soon into the very cool gift shop at the end of the self guided tour. This place has many "spy" toys to be purchased. It's a good thing I had more on my agenda or I might have spent a fortune on cool gadgets that day. They have some really neat electronic spy gadgets. As it is I now have a camera and audio listening in on you right now. OK, just kiddin' again, about spying on you that is. They do have all kinds of gadgets, concealment items, books games and apparel. Very cool store!
In the same building with the International Spy Museum is the Spy City Cafe that offers sandwiches, soups and salads in a quick moving, deli like set up. I went there. It was convenient but just OK. There's also a restaurant, Zolas, affiliated with the museum. Didn't go, know nothing.
There a a couple of rest room stops in the museum. There is a lot of ground to cover and they may be needed. They are very clean, very modern and well stocked.
Final Thoughts
I would suggest this museum as good for all ages perhaps ten-twelve and up. I'm not to sure younger ones would grasp the concept of espionage or perhaps understand some of the many hands on displays. Saying that though, there is the possibility that some computer wiz kids may understand more than me.
Any adults interested in spying and its history would be entertained and pick up a wealth of information. Once again I suggest getting tickets ahead of time or perhaps plan a day where you go there, get tickets for later in the day and do a few other sites nearby including Ford's Theater, The Smithsonian American Art Museum, The Portrait Gallery, the National Visitors Center and so much more that's a close walk nearby.
It was easy to start thinking of spying as a game with all the hands on fun things inside. At the same time the real issues of spying are covered well and with much detail from actual spies and factual history.
Spy City Cafe In the same building with outside access.
Washington DC and all it has to Offer
Smithsonian Institution
Nearby Destinations, just minutes walk away.
Ford's Theater Where Lincoln was shot
The Peterson House Where Lincoln Died
National Portrait Gallery
Smithsonian American Art Museum
The National Archives This has just reopened and it's bigger and better!!
US Navy Memorial An eight minute walk from the Spy Museum
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May
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