A Museum for Word Lovers: My Visit to Planet Word in D.C.

On a busy street in Northwest Washington, D.C. sits a gateway to the world of words, the Planet Word Museum.

The Historic Franklin School, once a place of learning for children generations ago, now houses a language arts museum dedicated to immersing visitors of all ages in the power of words.

Planet Word invites guests to explore language through interactive exhibits that highlight all the ways we use language to navigate our world.

This immersive D.C. Museum explores the wonders of language.

Planet Word gave me the opportunity to connect with language on a deeper level in a whimsical environment that feels more like a playground than a traditional museum.

Explore with me. Continue reading to follow along with my adventure exploring this world of words.

Eye-catching Artwork as You Arrive

Before entering the museum, I passed by the Speaking Willow. Created by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Speaking Willow combines nature with language.

This art piece is a tree sculpture with recorded speech blossoming through its speakers like flowers from tree branches.

I interpreted the art piece to mean that words are as integral in our world as nature itself.

Planet Word’s description of Speaking Willow says,

“A walk around Speaking Willow evokes a journey around the world; it reminds us that language is what defines our specific communities and connects our many cultures.”

The Speaking Willow exhibit serves as a great introduction to the magic of Planet Word because it gives guests a glimpse at the technologically innovative, interactive, and thought-provoking material displayed throughout the museum.

Something to see and do on every floor

From the moment I stepped onto Planet Word’s elevator filled with books, I was captivated. This museum engages visitors on every level.

Innovative Exhibits & Technological Marvels

Each exhibit brings words to life in a fun way. You can’t help but feel like a kid again exploring every room.

A talking wall of words teaches you about the history of the English language in the exhibit, Where Do Words Come From?

In Spoken World, a gigantic globe lights up with colorful animations as you study languages from around the world.

Books come to life with holographic illuminations and creative dioramas in the Library.

Screens play spoken word performances, educational videos, and interactive games in several exhibits like Words Matter and Lend Me Your Ears. In the persuasive writing exhibit, I’m Sold, digital walkthroughs teach you branding and copywriting tricks.

Engaging activities for every learning style

I love how this museum connects with visitors through different learning styles.

My learning style is kinesthetic which means I commit information to memory much longer and more effectively when I physically engage with it. Stylus pens handed out to visitors at the museum’s entrance helped me literally tap into the power of words during my visit.

I read, wrote, laughed, spoke, posed, sang, clapped, joked, and designed throughout my trip.

There are also plenty of visual and auditory elements that can engage visitors who learn more effectively through sight and sound.

Check the video below to see Planet Word’s painting activity where you can paint landscapes with adjectives to explore their meanings.

Embracing the Endless Possibilities of Words

I love that Planet Word celebrates the different ways words light up our world.

After visiting Planet Word, I carry a deeper appreciation for the precious ways language shapes our surroundings.

Words bring magic and adventure. They evoke emotion through speech, song, and laughter. Words are the building blocks of human experience and the tools we use to paint our blank canvassed world. They carry power that help us to express, protect, decorate, and explore our surroundings.

Exploring Planet Word brought that sense of wonder that I felt going to the library as a kid.

Even now thinking back on my visit, I feel that nostalgia usually saved for my childhood memories of peaking into the latest American Girl novels.

I highly recommend visiting this free museum in Washington, D.C. There is plenty to enjoy for all ages. Be sure to pack your imagination and be ready to dive into a word-filled adventure.

Originally posted on medium.com (@alexisrenae) in August 2021. Updated for Explore by Lexi readers.