Washington DC's museum dedicated to words and language will open this fall

Words matter. That’s the takeaway from a new interactive museum opening in Washington, DC this fall. Planet Word was originally slated to open in the spring but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the museum has announced its doors will open 22 October. 

The 51,000-square-foot space housed in the Franklin School is designed to educate us about language arts through engaging exhibits about the spoken, sung and written word. The location is auspicious for two reasons: not only is the Franklin School the flagship of the first public schools opening in Washington DC, offering free universal education to boys and girls, but its rooftop also happens to be the spot where Alexander Graham Bell made his first wireless transmission from his photophone, an invention that used a beam of light to transmit sound.

Though the opening was delayed, Planet Word continued to develop its exhibitions and work on the museum, according to public health guidelines. “Now, as we prepare to open Planet Word in October, I want to again thank the Planet Word staff and all of our partners for their tireless commitment to this project. I will be thrilled to finally – safely – open the world’s first museum dedicated to bringing language to life," said Planet Word founder and CEO Ann Friedman in a statement.

Dubbed the world’s first voice-activated museum, Planet Word will engage visitors through 11 immersive galleries. In one, guests can “paint” a scene with words using small brushes, which will change the virtual landscape and scene. In another, a 22-foot high Word Wall comprising more than 1000 three-dimensional words will light up and respond to voice, telling stories about how these words made their way into the English lexicon. And a huge chandelier/globe with 5000 LED lights will challenge visitors with word games incorporating language from dozens of locale and cultures - including two kinds of sign language. Would-be performers can take a shot at karaoke, while those who want to hone their public speaking skills can recite iconic speeches throughout history, including when JFK challenged Americans to “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” and Martin Luther King, Jr. orated the inspirational “I Have a Dream” call for a post-racism America.

In addition to the exhibit galleries, Planet Word will feature a word play puzzle room, a gift shop, an auditorium and classrooms, and will host ongoing live programming like “Wordshops,” performances and events, author readings and community conversations. Planet Word opens  22 October. Check out their website or this video for a sneak peek. 

This article was originally published on 4 February, 2020 and updated on 3 September, 2020.