Planet Word

Exploring spoken language and the written word

In a town full of free museums, you might ask, why pay when there are so many choices with no admission charge? It’s a good question. We are certainly blessed to be able to visit all the different Smithsonians plus the National Gallery of Art (West and East Buildings), MLK Library, the Capital Jewish Museum, and myriad other public institutions whenever we like and for however long we please.

But there are times when the offering is exceptional and well worth the so-called suggested donation. And in that category, I’d definitely put Planet Word, which describes itself as “the only museum in the country dedicated to renewing and inspiring a love of words and language.” Housed in the brilliantly repurposed Franklin School downtown, Planet Word offers three floors of imaginative exhibits and enough interactive features to keep even the most museum-averse child busy and engaged.

And it’s not just for kids. On a hot day last week, the museum was buzzing with people of all ages and one particularly energetic group of elementary school aged day campers. The exhibits focus on the many languages spoken around the world with their differences and commonalities, the power of books, and how language is used by speechmakers, humorists, songwriters, journalists, and advertisers. Educators can avail themselves of lesson plans, guided in-person and virtual field trips plus workshops on different topics for different ages.

I also suggest that you time your visit for lunch or an early dinner at Immigrant Food in the basement. (It also has a grade-level entrance on 13th Street.) The food is delicious plus the restaurant works with an array of nonprofit partners that support immigrants directly and foster positive public dialogue on immigration policy. I call that a win win.

Planet Word is located at 13th and K Streets NW, with the entrance on the K Street side. It is closed on Tuesdays and otherwise open from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays, and until 6 pm on the weekend.