Museum Spotlight: International Spy Museum

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Museum Spotlight: International Spy Museum

Berlin

One such potentially controversial section, considering the geo-political history, is the Cold War exhibit, where visitors learn how post-bellum Germany became an intelligence battleground rife with double-crosses and secrets. Designed to resemble an East Berlin town, "Red Alley" exhibits work of the East-German internal security force known as the Stasi and an international spy ring that would continue for generations. Some of the most highly imitated spy-gadgets, such as the through-the-wall camera and a secret writing detection kit, were employed by the Stasi, as well as the KGB, and various operatives thereafter. Art imitates life in "Toys & Games" as the museum pays homage to the various television shows, films, games and toys that were inspired by the actual spies and gadgets. Surfacing from the Berlin underground to the "Wilderness of Mirrors" is a sobering reminder of the price a spy pays for his or her chosen occupation. This list details the rise and demise of famous agents who were captured, executed, deported or otherwise shamed. Coined by CIA creator and director James Angelton, the wilderness in question refers to the constantly obscure nature of this secretive business, where a friend and foe can be one in the same. Finally, visitors come to the present, where an operations center and the film Ground Truth explore the challenges intelligence officers face in the 21st century and post-September 11th world.

The museum teaches that throughout history the spy has existed as a dichotomy of values, equally loved and hated, both hero and villain, yet always exhibiting a cult of personality well beyond the reality of the profession. Unlike James Bond or the popular spy TV series 24, the real world pace of intelligence gathering is slow and grueling, mostly spent waiting. Tedious work spent over hours, months and even years may result in only fragmentary information and even then, there is no guarantee of success. Why then does there continue to be a fascination with spying? "Secrets are always exciting," notes Ohlke and that "glamour and romanticizing" of the intelligence community by television, film and literature, continues to attract the general public even though in this case, the truth is more interesting than the fiction.

Located across the street from the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum, and one block from FBI headquarters, the International Spy Museum is perfectly positioned to offer visitors a captivating tour through the history and craft of spying. A variety of programs exist for adults & kids, including Operation Spy; a highly immersive experience based on real-life intelligence where the visitor tries to stop a nuclear device from falling into the wrong hands. Lectures, workshops for teachers & educators, scavenger hunts, bus tours, and podcasts are a few of the many opportunities for education and enjoyment. Recently commended by the Department of Justice for its accessibility to the blind and deaf, the museum hopes to grow their program offerings and expand their exhibition space in the coming years in order to facilitate the ever-growing collection of spy material.

2008 Museum Hours
Jan 2 - Feb 29 10am - 6pm
Mar 1 - Mar 14 10am - 6pm*
Mar 15 - Apr 12 9am - 8pm
Apr 13 - Aug 10 9am - 7pm
Aug 11 - Aug 30 10am - 7pm
Aug 31 - Dec 31 10am - 6pm**
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Day

*Except Saturday's 10am - 8pm
** Except Saturday's in Sept and Oct 10am - 7pm

2009 Museum Hours
9:30am - 6:00pm daily

Hours are subject to change and are often extended for holidays. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. For the most up to date information visit spymuseum.org or call 292.393.7798

2008/2009 Admission
Admission fees to the Museum:
$18, Adults (ages 12-65)
$17, Seniors, Active Duty Military, and the Intelligence Community
$15, Children (ages 5-11)
Free, Children age 4 and under
Admission fee to Operation Spy:
$14, ages 12+
Combined Admission fee:
$25, ages 12+
Advance Tickets recommended.

Media Contact
Amanda Abrell
Media Relations Manager
P] 202.654.2843, F] 202.393.7797
aabrell@spymuseum.org

Museum Website
http://www.spymuseum.org/

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