James Bond at SpyScape Museum New York

James Bond at the Museum!

• Opened in February 2018, the SpyScape Museum in New York is entirely dedicated to espionage. You’ll discover the major moments of the CIA and KGB rivalry, Soviet intelligence services during the Cold War, and more. Since March 2019, SpyScape has also featured a special exhibition devoted to the world’s most famous spy: James Bond.
• The exhibition is called “007 x SpyScape: Driven” and centers on the Aston Martin DB5, the British agent’s iconic car.
• You’ll be immersed in the Bond atmosphere from the moment you enter, with a dark tunnel featuring the emblematic James Bond opening sequence.

All About the Aston Martin DB5

• The exhibition’s centerpiece is the actual Aston Martin DB5 used in Goldfinger. You can examine it from every angle and look inside.
• Surrounding displays reveal the gadgets that equip the vehicle. You’ll learn how the rotating license plate system works, allowing 007 to switch from a French plate to a Swiss one discreetly. There’s also a close look at the ejector seat and bulletproof shield.
• The next section introduces Ken Adam, the designer behind most of the gadgets and sets used across the films. The room is lined with his creations.

The Secrets of Skyfall

• The tour continues with a room dedicated to the final scene of Skyfall, when a helicopter destroys the Aston Martin DB5 and sets the Bond family manor ablaze. It’s a spectacular sequence. How was it filmed? Several production team members share their secrets in interviews. You’ll also see set pieces, but I’ll leave the rest as a surprise.
• The exhibition ends with a film compiling several sequences featuring the DB5, sure to make you want to watch or rewatch the films from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig.

My Take on the James Bond Exhibition

• If you’re a James Bond fan, seeing the Aston Martin DB5 alone makes the admission worthwhile. The car isn’t behind glass, and you can take as many photos as you like.
• The atmosphere of the films is perfectly recreated with original special effects. The explanations, in English, are packed with behind-the-scenes details.
• One drawback: the exhibition could be longer. Taking my time in each room and reading everything, my visit lasted about 1 hour. It’s brief, but still worth seeing if you love the world of 007. This is an exhibition for film enthusiasts.

The James Bond Exhibition in Video

Practical Information

• Address: 928 8th Avenue, at the corner of 55th Street.
• Subway: 50th Street Subway Station (C and E lines).
• Hours: SpyScape Museum is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm (from 9 am on weekends and until 10 pm on Friday).
• Admission: Entry to the James Bond exhibition only costs $23 for adults and $18 for children.

Map to SpyScape Museum