As part of my birthday weekend, I took myself to Planet Word, a new museum here in D.C. devoted to language.

The museum is housed in an old school, an appropriate location if ever there was one.

They suggest you start at the top and work your way down, so I did.

On the top floor, one room focuses on global languages. The other focuses on English and where our language’s roots. The former was interesting, but the latter was highly dynamic, using a textured backdrop and animation and lights to:

There are quotes and poems all over the walls in around the doorways.

On the second floor, there is a central reading room, made even larger by mirrors.

Interspersed throughout the bookshelves are these interactive dioramas that activate if you read a particular quote from the book.

You could record yourself giving a speech or share a story about words. And throughout are touch Picture-Picture-like screens with microphones to make the experience more interactive.

There were exhibits devoted to persuasive language, hate speech, humor, and poetic language and music (including some of the techniques that make a song an earworm).

It was such a good visit, I joined the museum as a sponsor as a treat to myself for my birthday. I’ll definitely be back.