Aerial rendering of the National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations. Courtesy of Charles Pinck / The OSS Society.
The National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations® is a future museum planned for an 8.5-acre site in Ashburn, Virginia, just north of Dulles International Airport, about 30 miles west of Washington, DC. The museum is a project of The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society, which honors the agency that was the forerunner to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
The museum was recognized in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 as a “National” museum upon its completion. This recognition underscores the importance of the museum and its role in preserving and showcasing the history of intelligence and special operations in the United States.
The mission of the National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations is to honor Americans who have served at the “tip of the spear” and educate the American public about the importance of strategic intelligence and special operations to the preservation of freedom. This mission reflects the museum’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of intelligence officers and special operations forces in safeguarding national security.
The museum was designed by internationally recognized American architect Curtis Fentress, Principal in Charge of Design at Fentress Architects, which also designed the National Museum of the Marine Corps. It will feature roughly 14,000 square feet (1,300 m2) of exhibit space, a 6,000-square-foot (560 m2) lobby, and a 200-seat educational space. The facilities will provide ample space for exhibits, educational programs, and other events. The OSS Society plans to break ground on the museum in July 2025 with a target for opening in late 2027. The project is estimated to cost around $125 million.
A 500-foot “Remembrance Wall” will serve as a powerful symbol of individual duty and life lived in service. The wall will be engraved with the names of OSS members who were killed in action during World War II. The wall will also feature projected scenes from OSS training and operations films, paired with first-person recordings, creating a shared personal history with visitors. This tribute will honor the selfless service and sacrifice of these individuals, preserving their legacy for future generations.
The National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations conceptual design was a recipient of Chicago Athenaeum’s 2019 American Architecture Awards, the highest public awards given in the United States by a non-commercial, non-trade affiliated, public arts, culture, and educational institution.
The design is absolutely stunning. Architect Curtis Fentress states, “The concept of the museum’s landmark design was inspired by the spearhead, a symbol used by the intelligence and special operations communities since World War II. The spearhead shape will define the footprint of the museum, which will be visible from the flight path of Dulles International Airport.” The museum’s elevation symbolizes the wingspan of an eagle in flight.
You can help support the museum by making a donation through the National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations website. Your generosity would be greatly appreciated! The OSS Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations promises to be a significant addition to the cultural and educational landscape. By honoring those who have served in intelligence and special operations and educating the public about their work, the museum will play a crucial role in preserving their history, as well as inspire future generations to serve their country.
Resources
National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations
NationalIntelligenceMuseum.org
The OSS Society
OSSSociety org
USASOC OSS Website (Official US Army Website)
www.soc.mil/OSS/index.html
Central Intelligence Agency
CIA.gov
US Special Operations Command
SOCOM.mil
Fentress Architects
FentressArchitects.com
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