Planet Word
An immersive, voice-activated museum in DC celebrating language and communication through interactive exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Planet Word
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An immersive, voice-activated museum in DC celebrating language and communication through interactive exhibits.
"Planet Word is a hidden gem in D.C.—a must-visit for anyone who loves language, stories, or just a unique museum experience."
🎯 Book Timed Passes Online
Essential for guaranteed entry, especially on weekends. Free with suggested donation.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring interactive exhibits for hours!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Whispering Gallery
Main Exhibit Area
Experience the magic of sound and whispers across a vast space, a testament to acoustics and language.
Word Wall
Main Exhibit Area
Touch words to discover their origins, meanings, and fascinating histories in this dynamic, illuminated display.
Karaoke Room
Main Exhibit Area
Unleash your inner rockstar by singing along to a variety of songs, celebrating lyrics and language through music.
Speaking Willow Tree
Outside Entrance
An enchanting outdoor installation that responds to movement with poetic phrases, a whimsical welcome.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
+1Allocate Enough Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Timed Passes Online
Essential for guaranteed entry, especially on weekends. Free with suggested donation.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring interactive exhibits for hours!
📱 Download Their App
Enhance your experience with interactive features and information. (Check if available)
🗣️ Engage with Staff
Docents are friendly and helpful, offering great tips and insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Timed Passes Online
Essential for guaranteed entry, especially on weekends. Free with suggested donation.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring interactive exhibits for hours!
📱 Download Their App
Enhance your experience with interactive features and information. (Check if available)
🗣️ Engage with Staff
Docents are friendly and helpful, offering great tips and insights.
📸 Capture the Magic
Plenty of photo ops, especially the book-themed elevator!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Planet Word is widely praised as a unique and highly interactive museum that brings language to life. Visitors love its engaging exhibits, friendly staff, and the fun, educational experience it offers for all ages. While admission is free, donations are encouraged and appreciated for maintaining this gem.
"This place was recommended by a coworker. My college-age daughter and I spent about 1.5 hours there on Sunday. Found parking pretty quick and close. Three floors. Just about the whole museum was interactive. Didn't partake in the large karaoke room but it seemed pretty cool (maybe next time). And I love the machine when you first walk in that prints out your choice of a poem or short-story. Elevator was so neat/best I've seen! Gift shop at the end. I'd visit again!"
Angel Walker
"Planet Word is a hidden gem in D.C.—a must-visit for anyone who loves language, stories, or just a unique museum experience.
We found paid street parking nearby without much trouble and ended up spending about three hours exploring—there’s so much to engage with and enjoy.
Although admission is free (book in advance on their website), the quality of the exhibits and experience makes it clear why donations are encouraged to help keep it running. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Most exhibits are interactive and creatively designed. We especially loved the History of Words show, the dialect exhibit, and the library. Be sure to read and speak aloud the inscriptions beneath the “empty” picture frames in the library—they reveal hidden surprises that are easy to miss but really special.
Outside the entrance, don’t miss the Speaking Willow tree, which responds to your motion with a poetic and whimsical experience—a truly magical touch.
Planet Word is thoughtful, playful, and inspiring—a refreshing and memorable museum experience. Highly recommend spending a few hours here if you're in D.C."
Joshua Schulist
"Immersive language museum with interactive exhibits bringing words to life. 🗣️ I absolutely loved the book-themed elevator 📚! I appreciated that lockers were available to store belongings and a PIN number could be created. Everyone on staff were very welcoming and helpful. There were even a Juneteenth art & crafts available which was awesome. 😃"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Planet Word is located at the historic Franklin School at 925 13th Street NW. It's easily accessible by Metro (Farragut West and McPherson Sq stations are nearby) and many visitors find paid street parking or garages in the vicinity.
While there isn't dedicated parking, paid street parking and garages are available nearby. Some visitors have found parking without much trouble.
Yes, Planet Word is well-served by public transport. The nearest Metro stations are Farragut West and McPherson Square, making it easy to reach via the DC Metro system.
Many visitors recommend starting from the top floor and working your way down to experience the exhibits sequentially.
Lockers are available to store belongings, which is convenient for those with larger bags or strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Planet Word is free with a suggested donation. It's highly recommended to book timed passes online in advance to secure your entry.
While admission is free, booking timed passes online is strongly advised to guarantee your visit, especially during peak times.
Planet Word is typically open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are closed on Tuesdays. Always check their official website for the most current hours.
It's best to book timed passes online in advance. While walk-ins might be accommodated if capacity allows, booking ensures your entry.
Absolutely! Planet Word is an immersive experience designed for all ages, offering engaging exhibits that adults will find fascinating and fun.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the interactive Word Wall, the Whispering Gallery, the engaging karaoke room, and the unique Speaking Willow tree outside. The book-themed elevator is also a highlight!
Most visitors spend between 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the museum. You can easily spend longer if you engage with every interactive element.
Yes, Planet Word is highly recommended for families. Its interactive nature and focus on language make it engaging and educational for children of all ages.
Planet Word offers tours and live performances, adding another layer to the immersive language experience. Check their schedule for availability.
Planet Word is the world's first voice-activated museum, meaning many exhibits respond to sound and speech, bringing language to life in innovative ways.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Planet Word does not have an in-house restaurant, but there are numerous dining options available in the surrounding downtown DC area.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside museums. It's best to consume them before entering or after your visit.
The area around Planet Word offers a wide variety of cuisines, from casual cafes to upscale dining, catering to diverse tastes.
Planet Word focuses on its exhibits and does not have a dedicated cafe or snack bar. Visitors are advised to dine before or after their visit.
You can find many highly-rated restaurants within walking distance of Planet Word, offering everything from quick bites to full-service meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always check for signage.
The book-themed elevator, the Word Wall, the Whispering Gallery, and the exterior Speaking Willow tree are popular and visually striking spots for photos.
Selfies are generally permitted, but be mindful of other visitors and the interactive nature of the exhibits. Avoid blocking pathways.
Tripods and professional photography equipment may require special permission. Flash photography is often discouraged.
You can find many Planet Word photos on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok by searching relevant hashtags, or on the museum's official website.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Highlights for families include the Word Wall, where kids can discover word origins, and the Karaoke Room, a guaranteed hit for energetic youngsters. The museum's design encourages exploration and participation, making it a memorable outing for all ages. Remember to book your free timed passes in advance to avoid disappointment.
✨ Couples and Date Ideas
Enjoy exploring the Whispering Gallery together, test your vocal talents in the Karaoke Room, or simply marvel at the Word Wall. The museum's playful and thought-provoking atmosphere makes for a memorable and enjoyable date, especially with its free admission and suggested donation model.
📚 Language Enthusiasts
+1Explore exhibits that showcase the connections between languages, experiment with different dialects, and uncover the fascinating stories behind everyday words. The History of Words show and the dialect exhibit are particularly noteworthy for language buffs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immersive Language Experience
Many exhibits are voice-activated, responding to your speech and sounds, making the experience deeply personal and engaging. You can explore the origins of words, experiment with different languages and dialects, and even test your own linguistic skills. The museum aims to foster a deeper appreciation for how language shapes our thoughts, cultures, and connections.
+1Whether you're a language enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply looking for a unique museum experience, Planet Word offers a refreshing and thought-provoking journey into the world of words. It's a place where learning is fun and every interaction sparks curiosity.
Interactive Exhibits for All Ages
+1For those who love to perform, the Karaoke Room provides a fun outlet to belt out tunes and appreciate the power of lyrics. Beyond these, the museum features exhibits on dialects, the history of writing, and even a 3D interactive painting area that allows for creative time-traveling art.
+1Even the museum's elevator is an exhibit in itself, themed around books and literature, adding a delightful touch to the journey between floors. The Speaking Willow tree outside offers a whimsical, poetic welcome, responding to movement with spoken phrases.
+1Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Tips
+1Visitors often recommend allocating at least 1.5 to 3 hours to fully immerse themselves in the exhibits. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must, as you'll be exploring multiple interactive displays. The staff, often referred to as docents, are known for being incredibly friendly and helpful, so don't hesitate to ask them for insights or recommendations.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's wise to avoid flash in certain areas. Lockers are available for storing belongings, making your visit more comfortable. Remember to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on hours and any special events.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit