International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum opened in July of 2002, featuring the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. The Museum explores the craft, practice, history and contemporary role of espionage, opened in Washington, DC on July 19, 2002. It is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on an all-but-invisible profession that has shaped history and continues to have a significant impact on world events.

Many of the items on display are being seen by the public for the first time. These artifacts illuminate the work of famous spies and pivotal espionage actions as well as help bring to life the strategies and techniques of the men and women behind some of the most secretive espionage missions in world history.

The mission of the International Spy Museum is to educate the public about espionage and intelligence in an engaging way and to provide a context that fosters understanding of its important role in and impact on current and historic events. The Museum focuses on human intelligence and reveals the role spies have played in world events throughout history. It is committed to the apolitical presentation of the history of espionage in order to provide visitors with nonbiased, accurate information.

In development for more than seven years, the Museum drew upon the knowledge of leading experts and practitioners in the Intelligence Community. As of 2016, the International Spy Museum’s Advisory Board of Directors and Advisory Council include, among others:

Judge William Webster
Former Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Director of Central Intelligence
R. James Woolsey
Former Director of Central Intelligence
Major General Oleg Kalugin
Former Chief, KGB Foreign Counterintelligence
Congressman Louis Stokes
Former member, U.S. House of Representatives, and former Chairman, House Intelligence Committee
David Kahn
World-renowned expert in the history of cryptology, and former visiting historian, National Security Agency
David Major
President, Centre for Counterintelligence and Security Studies; and former Director, Counterintelligence, Intelligence and Security Programs, National Security Council
Keith Melton
Intelligence expert and technical advisor to U.S. Intelligence Community
Antonio Joseph Mendez
Former Chief, Graphics and Authentication Division, Central Intelligence Agency
Jonna Hiestand Mendez
Former Chief of Disguise, Central Intelligence Agency
Dame Stella Rimington
Former Director General, British Security Service (MI5)
Peter Earnest
Former Covert Operations Officer, Central Intelligence Agency