International Spy Museum Celebrates 10th Anniversary on 19 July 2012
Since its opening in July 2002, the International Spy Museum has helped to shape the face of a vibrant new downtown DC. On 19 July 2012, the Museum will celebrate its 10 year anniversary in partnership with Georgetown Cupcakes. Spy-themed cupcakes and balloons will be distributed throughout the day to ticketed guests.
The International Spy Museum has seen over 6 million guests walk through its doors to date, exceeding initial projections of just 500,000 guests annually. Museum officials view this as a great success in a town where competition is fierce with over 100 museums in the greater DC metropolitan area, most offering free admission. Its engaging interactive exhibits, the rich atmosphere provided by state-of-the- art immersive environments and the compelling personal stories of real spies have made the International Spy Museum a must-see destination.
“Public interest in espionage, spies, and intelligence is at an all-time high. The news and social media headline the latest stories, escapades, and even leaks about these often hidden practices,” said Peter Earnest, Founding Executive Director of the Spy Museum. “Some ten years ago, witnessing the growing terrorist threat following the end of the Cold War, our founders envisioned creating a museum that would enable the public to pierce the veil of secrecy surrounding spying and look firsthand at its methods and practitioners worldwide. Tragically, just months before the International Spy Museum’s opening, the events of 9/11 would stimulate the public to want to learn even more about spying and intelligence. Over six million visitors have done just that and we look forward to continuing our mission for many more years.”
The International Spy Museum continues to provide an exceptional guest experience with OPERATION SPY™. This groundbreaking spy adventure takes the interactive concept to the next level by combining the most innovative features of exhibits, movies, computer games, theatrical shows, and rides into one electrifying experience. The Museum’s commitment to providing visitors with a unique experience has reached beyond the Museum walls as well. Armed with a GPS-interactive device, SPY IN THE CITY™ sends guests on a high stakes operation out in the SPY Museum neighborhood. This highly suspenseful adventure style mission offers participants the opportunity to test their spy skills as they explore DC’s neighborhoods.
The Museum is committed to expanding opportunities for guests and furthering its mission to educate the public about espionage in an engaging way. Museum officials look forward to providing the public with a chance to go deep inside the shadowy world of espionage for another ten years to come.
