Planet Word

The one place here about language itself rather than its tools. Planet Word opened in October 2020 in Washington's historic Franklin School and leads visitors through 10 galleries, each built around a different history or use of language. Almost everything responds to you. A word wall in the lobby hears what you say and explains where it came from, you repaint a scene by dipping a brush into virtual adjectives, and a karaoke lounge opens each song with a short lesson on the lyricist's wordplay. Outside, the Speaking Willow sculpture plays hundreds of languages from speakers in its fronds. Entry is free, which makes it an easy add to any Washington trip.