The International Spy Museum (SPY) has announced plans to relocate to a new, larger property next year.

The 16-year-old attraction, which houses extensive collections of spycraft artefacts and highlights the global history of tradecraft, will move to a 140,000sq ft building on L’Enfant Plaza near the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Designed by architects Rogers, Stirk, Harbour + Partners, the new facility will be twice the size of the current SPY structure and will include new galleries and exhibition spaces, as well as a 160-seat theatre, rooftop terrace, and 500-seat event hall.

SPY’s exhibits will be crafted to put visitors in the shoes of actual intelligence officers and will delve into the complex, varied, and often controversial instruments and strategies – such as agitprop and assassinations – which have been employed to influence world events.

The museum will also showcase the evolution of espionage and – by way of interactive presentations – explain the dark art’s relevance to present-day affairs.

Speaking on the programming, Colonel (Ret) Christopher P. Costa, executive director of the SPY said: "By illuminating the efforts of thousands of dedicated people in the global intelligence community, it is our mission to help people make sense of the clutter and mythology regarding espionage issues and actions."

SPY founder Milton Maltz commented: "It’s never been more important for people to understand and appreciate – especially in a democracy – the many roles espionage has played, and continues to play, in shaping our lives."

Work starts on Washington's Spy Museum, designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners create new US$162m home for Washington's International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum opens its doors to the public next month.