International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum is the first and only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on this all-but-invisible profession. It features the largest collection of international spy-related artifacts ever placed on public display. The stories of individual spies, told through film, interactives, and state-of-the-art exhibits, provide a dynamic context to foster an understanding of espionage and its impact on current and historic events. In addition to the Museum, the Complex includes a Museum Store, private dining and event facilities, and two restaurants: Zola and Spy City Cafe. Who Owns the Museum? The Museum is the creation of The Malrite Company. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, The Malrite Company develops innovative museums and educational projects across the country. Its collaborative creative team consists of research directors, top museum and exhibition designers, innovative video and computer developers, and leading architects and interior designers. What is the International Spy Museum's Mission? The mission of the International Spy Museum is to educate the public about espionage in an engaging manner and to provide a dynamic context that fosters understanding of its important role in, and impact on, current and historic events. In the words of the Museum's Founder and Chairman, Milton Maltz: "The International Spy Museum is more than history - more than information or entertainment - its mission is to reflect the significance of intelligence as a critical component of national security." What else can the International Spy Museum contribute? Museum contributes to the public's understanding of the critical role of intelligence in the world throughout history to the present day. The Museum has tremendous potential to contribute to future research, publication and public discussion about the world of espionage including counterintelligence, tradecraft, covert action, counterterrorism, and the breakthrough developments in science and technology which have so characterized our times. How can the Museum maintain a non-political and international perspective? The Museum presents the world history of espionage within a context that will allow visitors to draw their own judgments and conclusions. The focus of the International Spy Museum is on human intelligence, not political ideology. Is the International Spy Museum affiliated with any government or intelligence agencies? No. The International Spy Museum is a private and independent entity with no links to any government agency, foreign or domestic. The Museum has reached out to intelligence communities to ensure an international perspective for the exhibits and to brief all relevant organizations about the Museum's goals. A number of the Museum's Board Members are former leaders of the international intelligence community, ensuring the visitor experience to be as authentic and unbiased as possible. Are there other "spy" museums? The subject of espionage is addressed at several other institutions both nationally and internationally including Moscow's KGB Museum, an exhibit within London's Imperial War Museum, and locally at the NSA's National Cryptologic Museum. Unlike the International Spy Museum, they focus on a specific time period or event and/or approach the subject from one nation's point of view. The International Spy Museum is the first and only museum of its kind that does not limit its interpretation of espionage by geography or specific time periods. Where is the International Spy Museum located? The International Spy Museum is located at 800 F Street, NW in Washington, DC's historic Pennsylvania Quarter neighborhood. It is within 4 blocks of the National Mall, directly across the street from the National Portrait Gallery, steps away from the MCI Center, and within one block of FBI headquarters. The Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail Station is within a block of the Museum Complex.