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International Spy MuseumvsSmithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Both are praised by professional reviewers. Overall, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is preferred by most professionals compared to International Spy Museum. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is ranked #13 in Washington DC with endorsements from 7 reviewers including Michelin Guide, Frommer's and Fodor's.
International Spy Museum
Concierge
Travel + Leisure
Time Out
Afar Magazine
Not For Tourists
Fodor's
Michelin Guide
National Geographic
Where
Atlas Obscura Show All Reviews
700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington DC 20024
From $0/night
Concierge "The only facility dedicated to the study of international espionage, this museum has a permanent collection of artifacts and spy gadgets."
Travel + Leisure "A must-visit for both wannabe spy kids and their John le Carré-reading parents, this terrific interactive museum gives you the chance to try your hand at espionage." Full review
Time Out "If your idea of a fun museum experience includes adopting a cover and memorising your alias’s vitals... you’ve come to the right spot." Full review
Afar Magazine "If you are intrigued by spies, and want to separate fact from fiction, then the place for you." Full review
Not For Tourists "For all the future Aldrich Ames out there."
Fodor's "A fitting home for this museum, which displays the world's largest collection of spy artifacts." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"The Spy Museum complex of historic 19C buildings houses the world's largest collection of international espionage artifacts on display to the public." Full review
National Geographic ""Operation Spy combines videos, themed environments, and hands-on challenges; people can try their hand at being an actual spy." Full review
Where "Dedicated to the craft, practice and history of espionage around the world." Full review
Atlas Obscura "“They say you're judged by the strength of your enemies”—James Bond, Quantum of Solace. " Full review
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Frommer's
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet Time Out Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide Where Atlas Obscura
U.S. News & World Report Fodor's Show All Reviews
10th Street and Constitution Ave., Washington DC, DC 20560
From $0/night
Frommer's "The National Museum of Natural History is the largest of its kind in the world and one of the most visited museums in Washington." Full review
Lonely Planet "The Smithsonian’s second-most popular museum clogs with kids, but adults will find lots to love here too." Full review
Lonely Planet "The castle houses the Smithsonian Visitor Center, which makes a good first stop on the Mall. Inside you’ll find history exhibits, multilingual touch-screen displays, a staffed information desk." Full review
Time Out "The gem at the heart of the Museum of Natural History is a state-of-the-art IMAX cinema and an 80,000sq ft brushed steel and granite Discovery Center housing a cafeteria and exhibition space." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The National Museum of Natural History investigates the world and its creatures, examines ancient rituals, and explores the unfolding universe." Full review
i
Be sure to see The Last American Dinosaurs, the Hall of Mammals, the Hope Diamond display, and the walk-through butterfly house.
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The National Museum of Natural History, part of the Smithsonian Institution, ranks as one of the most visited museums in the world." Full review
Where "Exhibits track the natural world since prehistoric time (anthropology to zoology)." Full review
Atlas Obscura "The 28,000-year-old specimen is remarkably intact. " Full review
U.S. News & World Report8.0
"With more than 126 million artifacts on display, this robust Smithsonian museum on the National Mall attracts millions of visitors each year." Full review
Fodor's "One of the world's great natural history museums offers 18 exhibition halls...there are more than 145 million specimens in the collection. Marvel at the enormous African bush elephant" Full review
i
Orkin Insect Zoo (don't miss the daily live tarantula feedings).
