Central Intelligence Agency, Director of Central Intelligence
About CIA

Welcome to the CIA Museum

Housed in the Agency's Headquarters Building in McLean, Virginia, this unique collection illustrates the history of US intelligence—which effectively began when this country was still 13 separate colonies—by showing some of the artifacts and tools used by men and women serving in various aspects of espionage.

The North Gallery houses the Agency's permanent collection of artifacts and photographs from the early days of the CIA to the present.[Photo of E Street Seal]  Of special interest is the relationship between the World War II-era Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and the present-day Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).  Personal effects reflecting the career of Maj. Gen. William J. Donovan, as well as numerous examples of OSS tradecraft (much of which was used by CIA after it was established by President Truman in 1947) underscore the historical and philosophical link joining the two organizations. So strong is this connection that General Donovan is considered the Father of CIA despite the fact he never actually served as the Agency's director. 

The Cold War Gallery features hundreds of rare Soviet and Stasi espionage artifacts from the private collection of H. Keith Melton, author of "The Ultimate Spy Book."  In addition to cameras, listening devices, and concealment devices, several "spy stories" and a Cold War timeline are presented.

CIA Museum Artifacts

The seal above is a photograph of the original sign from the CIA's first building on E Street in Washington, DC. All items exhibited in the Museum are authentic; no reproductions are permitted. Most were given to the Museum by the office or individual who designed or used them.

Every artifact and photograph has been declassified by the appropriate officials for public viewing.  Please note that because the Museum is located on the CIA compound, it is not open to the public for tours.

We hope you enjoy this look at the history of American intelligence as told through some of the artifacts used to make that history

 

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