Planet Word

Language is something people take for granted. This museum is an opportunity to delve into an aspect of ourselves that we’re intimately familiar with, yet know nothing about. Anyone can benefit from going to this museum, but I have a feeling it’ll be extra special to those already interested in linguistics, philosophy, literature, or cognition. The exhibits tackle a diverse range of subjects and do a great job of being both informative and entertaining. The museum is pay what you wish and the building itself is beautiful. This is a hot take... but in my opinion Planet Word is the best museum in DC. Please check it out and support it if you can!

This new museum is super cool! Great for the entire family. Fun, interactive, educational, informative. Cool items in the gift shop. Highly recommended!

What an AWEmazing experience. Each exhibit was strategically planned with social distancing in mind. From the Speaking Willow tree to the interactive word wall to the different recording booths, I was able to get lost in translations. Get it?!

Love this museum! So many activities! Totally worth it! The best museum ever in D.C!nI'm so lucky that I visited there while I stay in DC.

One of the most challenging tasks of a good museum is to appeal to a broad audience. I can't comment on how enriching Planet Word is for young kids since I'm not a young kid, but I can say that it offers essentially nothing for teenagers or adults who know even the most rudimentary facts about language and linguistics.nnThe design of the museum is Instagram-friendly, and features many voice-activated screens that walk you through presentations, with individual segments frustratingly unable to be skipped through. Exhibits range from a karaoke room to information literacy education (the latter being a highlight, especially given the sad demise of the Newseum). It's currently three floors, and won't take long to explore.nnPerhaps I should have anticipated the focus given the branding, and perhaps the museum will expand its offerings as it matures (most visitors are likely unaware its historic venue is arguably the birthplace of optical communications), but until then I'd recommend it only for kids.