Spyscape

The Basics

There are seven interactive galleries spread throughout the museum, dedicated to deception, encryption, surveillance, hacking, intelligence, cyber warfare, and special ops. Each gallery presents artifacts and technology related to the history of espionage while illuminating stories of double agents, code breakers, and hackers. Visitors are handed digital wristbands on entry so they can test their own skills in decoding, surveillance, lie detection, and even navigating a laser tunnel by completing challenges, developed with input from former intelligence agency directors. The experience ends in the debriefing room, where visitors are assigned a spy role, from analyst to spymaster.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Spyscape is a must-visit for families and groups of friends.

• The museum is designed for adults and teens, but children are welcome.

• Entrances, galleries, retail spaces, the café, and restrooms are all accessible to wheelchairs and walkers, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow.

• Service animals are welcome inside Spyscape.

• Storage lockers are available free of charge.

How to Get There

Spyscape is centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, with easy access from the rest of the city. To get there via subway, take line C or E to 50th Street, a 3-minute walk away; line A, B, C, or D to 59th Street–Columbus Circle, a 2-minute walk away; or the N, Q, R, or W to 57th Street, a 4-minute walk away.

When to Get There

Spyscape is open weekdays from morning until late evening and weekends from midmorning to late evening. A visit typically takes one and a half to two hours. Ticket prices are reduced during the middle of the day, so budget travelers with flexible schedules should avoid coming first thing in the morning or in the evening.

James Bond

Spyscape also deals with fictional spies: Its immersive exhibition explores the creative process behind the James Bond movies. Visitors have the chance to investigate gadgets in Q’s lab and go behind the scenes of the Skyfall finale. An additional ticket is required.

Is Spyscape worth visiting?

Yes, Spyscape is worth visiting. The immersive, interactive museum is a top-rated New York City museum, and it explores themes including encryption, deception, surveillance, and hacking. Visitors can take on real-world challenges faced by former spies. Fans of espionage lore and history will love this Manhattan attraction.

Can you buy Spyscape tickets at the door?

Yes, you can buy Spyscape tickets at the door—but it’s always a good idea to book in advance. Timed admission and visitor capacity means some popular times sell out (weekends and school holidays are generally busy). Booking your Spyscape tickets ahead of time ensures you won’t be turned away.

How much time is needed at Spyscape?

Most visitors use between 1.5 and two hours to experience each of Spyscape’s seven zones. If you’re planning to browse the Spyscape gift shop, visit the café, or check out the spy-themed book store, it’s worth budgeting extra time. The last entry is 1.5 hours before closing.

Is Spyscape good for adults?

Yes, Spyscape is good for adults. While young children are welcome at the museum, the exhibits are best suited to grown-ups and older kids who can make the most of its seven interactive zones. It’s great for dates: Couples take on challenges, solve problems, and discover spy super powers together.

What items are prohibited at Spyscape?

Large backpacks and bags are banned in Spyscape—leave those in the free storage lockers provided for visitors. Also prohibited are outside food and drink, pets, sporting equipment, and weapons of any kind. While you can take personal photos at Spyscape, you’ll need a permit for commercial photography and videography.

What is the closest subway to Spyscape?

The closest subway station to Spyscape is 59th St-Columbus Circle, served by the A, B, C, and D trains. Both C and E trains serve the equally convenient 50th St. Station, or you can take N, Q, R, and W to 57th St. Station.

Ways to explore

Book tickets to Spyscape in advance to secure a specific time slot and guarantee entry. The “all-access” option includes entry to the Spyscape Museum and spy games, plus a personalized 52-page spy-skills profile designed by experts. The museum features seven interactive galleries covering topics such as deception, encryption, hacking, and special ops. With a digital wristband, visitors take on challenges such as lie detection and laser tunnel navigation, finishing in a debriefing room where they’re assigned a spy role.

Accessibility

All entrance areas, galleries, restrooms, and retail spaces are accessible to wheelchair users.

Age limits

Best for adults and teens, but can be enjoyed by kids 8 and up

What to pack

Small bag, portable phone charger, plastic water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layered clothing

Not allowed

Food and drinks, glass bottles, flash photography

Amenities

Lockers, bookshop, restrooms

Address

Spyscape is centrally located in midtown Manhattan and is easy to reach by subway, bus, or taxi.

Driving

Though it’s possible to drive to Spyscape, it’s not recommended, since traffic in midtown can be very heavy, and parking can be difficult to find, too.

Public transportation

On the subway, take the C or E to 50th Street, or the A, B, C, or D to 59th Street–Columbus Circle.

Best times to visit

Visitors can book specific time slots and check availability in advance. Mornings are generally a quieter time.

Best days to visit

Come on a weekday to avoid the biggest weekend crowds.

Best months to visit

New York is busiest in July and August, so visiting in the spring or fall usually means fewer crowds and a calmer experience.

Special events

Spyscape is close to Central Park, so consider timing your visit to see a concert afterwards at SummerStage, which runs between May and September.