Planet Word

Imagine a place where the walls literally respond to your words, and language transforms from a set of strict rules into living, pulsing energy. Planet Word is the world's first voice-activated museum, which opened in October 2020. It is located in the magnificent historic Franklin School building in Washington, D.C.

In this unique space within the USA, language comes to life through interactive exhibits created using the most modern technologies. The museum aims to show visitors of all ages the power, joy, and humor hidden in our speech. Here, interacting with the exhibits feels more like an engaging conversation than a traditional gallery lesson.

The museum's mission is to inspire a love for words and demonstrate the power of both spoken and written language. Despite its innovative core, entry to Planet Word remains accessible to all, operating on a recommended donation system, making it a must-visit for curious travelers.

To contact the administration and clarify visit details, you can use the official communication channels. Please note that museum admission is free, however, the administration welcomes a recommended donation of $15 to support the project.

At Planet Word, an amazing journey into the world of sounds and meanings awaits you. Start your exploration with the "Speaking Willow" — an interactive sculpture that greets guests with whispers in hundreds of different languages. Inside the museum, technology allows you to literally control the space: on the upper floors, you'll find "The Spoken World," where you can hear native speakers of 31 languages, and a giant 22-foot wall that tells the stories behind English words.

For those who love being active, there are special rooms prepared. You can test your skills in public speaking, make a room change color using specific phrases, or step into a magical library where books hold literary secrets. Music lovers will appreciate the chance to sing karaoke, while fans of wit will find a haven in a special gallery dedicated to jokes and puns.

The lower floor invites you to become a creator: there is a recording studio where every visitor can leave their story. Don't forget to stop by Lexicon Lane to solve clever linguistic puzzles. Even everyday spaces like elevators and bathrooms are turned into part of the exhibition here, featuring quotes and interactive elements that emphasize that words surround us everywhere.

Getting to the Planet Word museum in the heart of the American capital is easy. It is located in a historic building at 925 13th Street NW, with the main visitor entrance on K Street. This is a very vibrant area, so public transportation is excellent here.

The most convenient way is to use the metro. The nearest stations, McPherson Square and Metro Center, are just three blocks from the entrance. If you prefer walking, the museum is located only six blocks from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, making it easily accessible during a tourist route through the city center.

For those who value comfort, city taxis and ride-sharing services are always available to take you directly to the intersection of 13th Street and K Street. Remember that due to the museum's popularity, the number of visitors may be limited, so it's best to have a pre-booked online pass with you.

The idea for such an unusual place belongs to Ann B. Friedman — a philanthropist and former reading teacher. Along with her husband, renowned New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, she decided to transform the old school building into a modern temple of linguistics. The historic Franklin School, designed by the famous architect Adolf Cluss, was chosen as the venue for the exhibition.

The path to the opening was not easy. A large-scale restoration of the building began in 2017, but work had to be temporarily suspended a year later. The reason was the strict historic preservation rules of the District of Columbia: violations of federal regulations were discovered during the demolition of internal structures. After paying fines and adjusting the project, work continued, and on October 22, 2020, the museum opened its doors.

A special point of pride for the museum is the sculpture "Speaking Willow," created by artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. This project was realized with the support of the Public Art Fund. In March 2022, the exhibition was expanded with the new Lexicon Lane space on the third floor, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of language puzzles.

To fully appreciate all the interactive features of Planet Word, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 3.5 hours for your visit. The duration of your stay depends largely on how deeply you wish to dive into solving language riddles and interacting with the voice-activated exhibits.

If your goal is not just a quick walkthrough but a full immersion into the atmosphere of the "speaking" museum, it is better to plan for 2–3 hours. This will give you enough time to test your public speaking skills, visit the library, and enjoy all the multimedia installations without rushing.

The Planet Word museum welcomes guests throughout the week, except for Tuesdays. From Monday to Friday, the doors are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On weekends, Saturday and Sunday, the hours are extended until 6:00 PM so that everyone has time to enjoy the exhibition.

Please note that the number of daily passes is limited. It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance on the official website planetwordmuseum.org to guarantee entry at your chosen time.

Washington is a city where every block is steeped in history and culture, and the area around the language museum is no exception. Exploring the surroundings after a visit to Planet Word will help make your day even more fulfilling and interesting, adding vibrant locations for relaxation and entertainment to your itinerary.

While most major amusement and water parks are located some distance from the center, they make for an excellent continuation of a family trip through the region: