This DC museum showcases the immense power of language through interactive exhibits
Planet Word is free to visit and features an array of exhibits that are sure to engage, educate and increase enthusiasm about the power of language.
What is Planet Word?
The world’s first voice-activated museum, Planet Word aims to bring language to life through engaging, interactive exhibits and immersive displays that dazzle visitors of all ages. Inside, you will discover the true power of words and how they bring joy, foster empathy and connect people from all over the world.
Where is Planet Word? How do I get there?
The museum is housed inside the historic Franklin School (925 13th Street NW), a brick building overlooking Franklin Park in Downtown DC. It is most easily accessible via the Metro's Silver, Orange and Blue lines at the McPherson Square stop or the Red line (Metro Center).
How do I visit?
General admission to Planet Word is free, with a suggested $15 donation to support the museum’s mission-driven programs, exhibits and educational outreach. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The museum is closed on Tuesday.
Visit Planet Word’s website to plan your visit and reserve a pass. Although the museum is free to enter, please consider a donation to help Planet Word spread the power, beauty and fun of language.
What can I expect to see at Planet Word?
Planet Word immediately stands out in DC’s lineup of museums through its awe-inspiring interactive capabilities. As a visitor, you bring the building to life through your engagement with the written word and spoken language, making for a museum experience unlike any other in the District.
You’re greeted by Speaking Willow (pictured above), which conjures murmurs in hundreds of languages as you pass through its branches. This immersive metal sculpture is the first permanent installation in DC by trailblazing artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.
The upper floor consists of three exhibits, including First Words, which showcases the process of how we learn our first language. The Spoken World will amaze you with the diversity of languages around the globe through speakers and signers of 31 different languages. The 22-foot-tall wall of words is Where Do Words Come From? dives into the story of the English language and the origin of many of its most commonly used words.
Planet Word’s middle floor is perhaps its most adventurous. You can test out your public speaking skills, use words to transform the color in the room around you, browse a magical library filled with literary secrets, sing an iconic song karaoke-style and step into a humor gallery to determine the funniest member of your crew. On the lower floor, you can step into a recording booth to share a story of how words have changed your life and hear stories from others via the Words Matter exhibit. I’m Sold! showcases how advertisers use language to entice, and you can craft an ad yourself.
What else is there to do at Planet Word? Are there events?
The museum regularly hosts events like panels, sensory-friendly mornings and Language Science Stations, which encourage visitors to chat with language experts. You can also stop by the bottom floor, where Immigrant Food serves casual, globally inspired fare.
The first Wednesday of the month, the museum invites the puzzle-minded for an evening for wordplay challenges and access to all three floors of museum exhibits – including karaoke. From 5-8 p.m., entrance is pay-what-you-can with food and drinks available for purchase from Immigrant Foods. Tickets to the museum's signature immersive puzzle-solving experience Lexicon Lane are available for $40.
