Washington, D.C.’s newest museum is taking shape. The expanded International Spy Museum will relocate to L’Enfant Plaza, near the National Mall and the Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront. The move places the museum in a prominent cultural corridor and brings a major attraction closer to both tourists and residents.
“The International Spy Museum has long been a destination for residents and visitors, finding innovative ways to keep us connected with our past. The new Spy Museum will be a welcome addition to Southwest as we continue to attract businesses and expand economic opportunity,” said Muriel Bowser, mayor of the District of Columbia.
The new building is designed around a dramatic glass atrium. A suspended glass panel in front of the exhibition space will create a layered experience where visitors and passersby can be seen on both sides, reinforcing the museum’s themes of observation and secrecy. The exterior architecture likewise draws on motifs of espionage, with thoughtful materials and forms that suggest concealment and revelation without resorting to literal imagery.
When it opens in early 2018, the expanded museum will offer significantly more exhibit and educational space, plus a theater and flexible event facilities. These additions are intended to broaden programmatic offerings, support school and community outreach, and host lectures, screenings, and special events. Museum leadership expects staffing to grow by about 20 percent to support the larger footprint and expanded public programming.
Throughout construction, the International Spy Museum continues to welcome visitors at its current location at 800 F Street NW. The existing museum will remain operational until the new facility is ready, ensuring uninterrupted access to its core exhibitions and educational activities.