Planet Word Museum Inspires Visitors To Love Language

Author: Ava Gonzalez

Photos by Ava Gonzalez, Museum of Ice Cream, Washingtonian and Pixabay

Planet Word describes itself as, “an immersive language experience”, located at the historic Franklin School in D.C. The idea for a museum came from Ann Friedman, a retired first grade reading teacher. She was inspired by the Museum of Mathematics in New York. If there could be a fun interactive way to teach about math, why not words? 

They claim to be the world’s first voice-activated museum. With lofty claims and a carefully curated social media page, I was curious as to how the exhibit would live up to the hype. 

The last several years has seen an influx of trendy “museums” that are little more than an interactive photo backdrop. New Yorks’ Museum of Ice Cream comes to mind. The backdrops are perfect for Instagram, but very little actual education goes on within its walls.

Photo courtesy of Museum of Ice Cream

Participants are suggested to go through the museum from the top down, beginning on the 3rd floor. My visit was on a Saturday afternoon and the whole building was crowded. Before I even stepped into the showroom, I could hear a loud echo of voices bouncing off the high ceilings. This first exhibit shows a giant LED globe, and guests surround it at interactive stations. Stepping up to a tablet, I was greeted by a video of a Japanese woman walking into frame. The video was certainly prerecorded, but it could have been a video call for its lifelikeness. The reason for the loud noise? Every video gave guests a short language lesson, and they were asked to repeat several words and phrases.

Photo courtesy of Washingtonian

Upon completing my tutorial, the large globe in front of me shimmered with a corresponding image to what I had just learned. For a few short moments, a bright animation of an ice cream cone distracted the whole room (as I had just learned how to invite a friend for dessert moments before). 

The next floor contained a library. Upon first glance, it looked just like your average well-funded college campus- perhaps named after a wealthy donor. 

Photo by Ava Gonzalez

Quickly, watching the other guests, I realized that this was more than it seemed. Lining the walls were strange, dark windows. Under each was a quote from a famous novel, and a prompt asking us to speak. I followed it’s command, and the frame lit up to reveal an intricately detailed model of the story.

Photo by Ava Gonzalez

In the center of the library room were a rack of classic books. Selecting one prompted a show that was near magic. The young guests to my left and right let out awed gasps- in their eyes, it certainly must be!

Photo by Ava Gonzalez

The most remarkable part of the museum is its’ immersive use of projection mapping. For those familiar with the technology, they know it can sometimes have a hit or miss effect. Early examples often had calibration issues- looking sloppy or even hard to watch. However, when used carefully, it can have a stunning effect. Planet Word does so masterfully to engage its visitors. 

No exhibit was particularly academically challenging, and the educational content was not as in depth as other DC museums. This does not detract from the experience.  Having an existing interest or expertise only increases the likelihood that one would enjoy the experience! Participating felt like reading a love letter written to language itself. The museum achieved its goal: creating interest and passion for words in every visitor. 

Admission to the Planet Word Museum is free with a suggested donation of $15, though they ask for passes to be reserved in advance. For those looking to visit, the closest metro station is McPherson Square. Visit their website here.