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Plan Your Visit

HOURS
Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Last entrance time is 3:30 p.m.

LOCATION
925 13th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
Entrance on K Street

ADMISSION
General admission is free, with a suggested $15 donation to support the museum’s mission-driven programs, exhibits, and educational outreach.

VISITOR GUIDELINES
We’re committed to the health and safety of our visitors and our staff. Please review the following COVID-19 safety guidelines before making your visit to Planet Word.  Learn more

Reserve your pass

Directions

Silver, blue, and orange lines: Exit at McPherson Square onto 14th and I streets. The museum entrance is directly across the park on 13th and K streets.

Red line: Exit at Metro Center onto 13th Street. Walk north until you reach K Street, then turn right. The entrance will be on your right.

Bus stops at 13th and K, 13th and I, and 15th and I are all within easy walking distance of the museum. Visit the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority website to find the bus route that is most convenient for you.

From the north: Head south on 13th Street, NW. At the traffic circle, take the third exit to stay on 13th Street. In 0.5 miles, the Franklin School building will be on your left.

From the southwest: Take I-66 E, then take the left exit toward E Street. Keep right, following signs for E Street. Continue onto E Street Expressway. Turn left onto 18th Street, NW. Turn right onto H Street NW. Turn left onto 13th Street, NW. In 0.2 miles, the Franklin School building will be on your right.

From the southeast: Take I-695 W and exit on Maine Ave. Keep right at the fork, following signs for 12th Street. Continue straight onto 12th Street, NW. Turn left onto I Street, NW. Turn right onto 13th Street. The Franklin School building will be on your right.

Street parking is limited in this area, but several parking garages are available nearby.

Bike racks are available on the Northeast corner of 13th and K Street (in front of PAUL) and half a block down K Street from Planet Word’s main entrance.

Proof of Vaccination

Starting Thursday, January 20, 2022, Planet Word will be instituting a vaccination requirement or same-day negative COVID-19 test for entry.

All visitors ages 12+ must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to enter the museum, along with a photo ID for visitors 16 and over. Visitors who are exempt from COVID-19 vaccinations will be required to show proof of a negative same-day COVID-19 test administered by a health care provider. Results from a self-administered COVID-19 test will not be accepted. Planet Word will review and verify such documentation but will not retain the information. All COVID-19 safety protocols including mask-wearing and physical-distancing will be followed.

Proof of vaccination includes presentation of an individual’s vaccine card (which includes the name of person vaccinated, type of COVID-19 vaccine provided, and date of last dose administered), a photograph (including on an electronic device) or copy of such card, or other documentation from a healthcare provider confirming full vaccination. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or two weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson/Janssen).    

Identification means an official document bearing the name of the individual and a photograph. Examples of acceptable identification include a driver’s license, non-driver government ID card, passport, or school ID card.  

All visitors 2+ are required to wear masks while inside the Museum, regardless of their vaccination status.  

Visitors who are unable to comply with the policy will not be allowed into the museum. For those who are unable to visit us in person, or who prefer to enjoy Planet Word from home, we continue to offer online programs. 

Planet Word protocols may change as we continue to follow local and national recommendations. Thank you for abiding by these guidelines as we work toward a healthier future together.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please email us at support@planetwordmuseum.org.

Visitor Guidelines

We’re committed to the health and safety of our visitors and our staff. Please review the following COVID-19 safety guidelines before making your visit to Planet Word.

  • Stay Home if you are sick or have a fever.
  • Wear a Mask — Planet Word welcomes visitors of all ages! Because that includes children who are still too young to be vaccinated, Planet Word requires masks for all visitors age 2 and up. Masks must cover the nose and mouth, be secured with ties or ear loops, and fit snugly against the face. Note: Masks with valves are not allowed. Face shields without masks are not allowed. If you or any member of your group are unable to wear a mask for any reason, we invite you to reschedule your visit for a future date when these requirements are no longer in place.
    Learn more
  • Practice Social Distancing — Practice social distancing during your visit by staying at least 6 feet from anyone not in your household group. Groups should remain together. Children must stay with adults at all times.
  • Wash Your Hands — Wash frequently with soap and water or utilize the hand sanitizing stations throughout the museum.
  • Credit Cards Only — Credit or debit cards are required for purchases. Cash will not be accepted.
  • Increased Cleaning — Planet Word staff frequently clean high-touch surfaces throughout the day.
  • Contact Tracing — Per Washington, DC guidelines, Planet Word will enforce contact tracing. If purchasing a ticket, staff will ask for a full name and email address.

While we are doing our part to implement enhanced health and safety measures, please note that COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact, and that the risk of transmission exists in any public space. Visitors to Planet Word assume all risks related to COVID-19 exposure.

Visitors agree to abide by the guidelines posted on the Planet Word website or provided by staff during their visit. Planet Word reserves the right to alter its hours of operation, capacity, or visitor guidelines as necessary, and to deny entry or access to anyone who fails to adhere to its guidelines or whose conduct puts Planet Word staff, visitors, or property at risk.

Immigrant Food+

Immigrant Food+, located on our lower level, is the perfect spot to satisfy your hunger at Planet Word.

The restaurant offers casual immigrant-inspired fare during museum hours and transitions to a higher gastronomic experience in the evening, with global cocktails, an eclectic wine list, and a dinner menu created by award-winning chef Enrique Limardo.

Open Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lunch Menu | Aperitivo Hour Menu | Dinner Menu | Cocktail Menu | Dessert Menu

Gift Shop

Present Perfect, the Planet Word gift shop, has something for the wordsmith in everyone.

You can browse books full of wordplay, find word-themed gifts, games, and puzzles, or pick up a last-minute card for a special occasion. Present Perfect offers plenty of curated, one-of-a-kind items to pique the interest of writers, readers, performers, conversationalists, kids, and word nerds.

Returns or refunds are permitted with proof of purchase within 30 days from the date of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS PLANET WORD DOING TO KEEP VISITORS SAFE DURING COVID-19?
We are limiting capacity in the building to support social distancing, and requiring masks be worn at all times on the premises.  Learn more

DO I HAVE TO RESERVE A PASS IN ADVANCE?
We are limiting the number of free passes available daily. Reserving your pass online will ensure you get the day and time of your choice. We recommend a donation of $15 per person to support the museum.

Please note that we are open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entrance time for the day is 3:30 pm.

WHY ARE PASSES NOT AVAILABLE?
Tickets are released the first of the month for the following month. Due to our limited capacity, tickets sell out fast! Walk-up passes will be available on the half hour of every hour until 3:30pm.

WHY IS THERE A SUGGESTED DONATION?
As a non-profit organization that receives no federal funding, we rely on donations to support our mission: to inspire and renew a love of words, language, and reading. Your suggested donation helps support our mission-driven programs, exhibits, and educational outreach.

I RESERVED A FREE PASS BUT CAN’T MAKE IT TODAY — CAN I USE IT TOMORROW?
If you missed the day on your pass or are unable to use your passes for a certain day, please notify us at support@planetwordmuseum.org. Feel free to reserve another free pass or join the walk-up line, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND MY PASSES?
Check your SPAM folder. If you are unable to find the confirmation email, you can check-in with your name at the Welcome Desk.

HOW LONG SHOULD I SPEND AT PLANET WORD?
The Museum is self-guided. We recommend 90 minutes to go through. View our Planet Word map to plan your visit.

DO INFANTS REQUIRE TIMED PASSES?
Only visitors aged 2 and older require timed passes to visit.

ARE STROLLERS ALLOWED IN THE MUSEUM?
We encourage you to leave your stroller home if you can. When your child is not physically in the stroller, please park your stroller somewhere out of high traffic areas. Planet Word is not responsible for loss of or damage to any items.

CAN I GET FOOD OR DRINKS IN THE MUSEUM?
Food and drinks are not permitted in the museum.

DO YOU HAVE LOCKERS AVAILABLE?
Lockers are available.

DO YOU HAVE A LOST AND FOUND?
For the time being, only valuables (wallets, keys, phones, etc.) will be held for claim. All other items will be disposed of if not claimed within 24-hours. Please contact us at support@planetwordmuseum.org for any Lost and Found questions.

MAY I BRING A PET?
Planet Word welcomes service animals – other animals or pets are not allowed. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Therapy animals whose function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals, even with a doctor’s note.

DOES THE MUSEUM HAVE WIFI?
Free WiFi provided by AT&T is available throughout the building. Ask a staff member if you need help connecting.

CAN I TAKE PICTURES IN THE MUSEUM?
Yes. We love photos, and yours are welcome and encouraged. Tag your photos with @PlanetWordDC — we want to see them, too!

Commercial photography and videography must be approved in advance by our communications team. Email press@planetwordmuseum.org

Planet Word or authorized third-parties may carry out photography and/or other recordings at the Museum, and any images and/or recordings may feature visitors. You consent to the use of such images and/or recordings by us in connection with advertising, promoting the Museum, and for our internal purposes. In doing so, you allow us to edit, modify, publish and make available such images and/or recordings. You acknowledge and agree that you will not receive compensation if we use such images and/or recordings.

WHAT OTHER WASHINGTON, D.C. LANDMARKS ARE CLOSE BY?
The museum is within easy walking distance of the vibrant K Street corridor, the White House, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, several Smithsonian museums, Penn Quarter, and many of D.C.’s top hotels and restaurants.

Planet Word reserves the right to modify its hours of operations, capacity, or visitor guidelines as circumstances require and to deny entry or access to any person who fails to follow these guidelines or whose conduct puts Planet Word staff, visitors, or property at risk.

  • Did you know?

    The 10 most-used letters in English are E, A, R, I, O, T, N, S, L, and C.

  • Did you know?

    A “deipnosophist” is a person who’s really good at making conversation at the dinner table.

  • Did you know?

    Eels, llamas, and aardvarks, ooh my! In English, there are only four letters that appear as double letters at the beginning of a word: “A,” “E,” “L,” and “O.”

  • How do you get a dog to stop eating your books?

    Take the words right out of its mouth!

  • What's the difference between a cat and a comma?

    A cat has claws at the end of its paws, but a comma’s a pause at the end of a clause.

  • Did you know?

    A “deipnosophist” is a person who’s really good at making conversation at the dinner table.

  • Riddle me this

    What starts with an e, ends with an e, and contains just one letter? (Answer: An envelope!)

  • Riddle me this

    What begins with a t, ends with a t, and has t in it? (Answer: A teapot!)

  • Riddle me this

    What’s in centuries, hours, and years, but not minutes, days, or seconds? (Answer: The letter R!)

  • Quote them on it

    “Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” — Groucho Marx

  • Quote them on it

    “The past is always tense, the future perfect.” — Zadie Smith

  • Quote them on it

    “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it.” — Toni Morrison

  • Quote them on it

    "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." — Nelson Mandela