The National Geographic Society has officially opened the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, a new interactive attraction in downtown Washington, D.C., transforming its historic headquarters into a destination dedicated to science, storytelling and discovery.
Located at 1600 M Street NW, the sustainably designed museum replaces the traditional “look but don’t touch” museum model with immersive experiences that encourage visitors to actively participate in exploration. The attraction combines National Geographic’s renowned photography, research and expedition history with cutting-edge technology to create exhibits that appeal to visitors of all ages.
Rather than simply showcasing artifacts, the museum invites guests to step into the environments and discoveries that have defined National Geographic for more than 135 years. Visitors can experience scientific expeditions, engage with interactive displays and learn about the work of explorers studying wildlife, archaeology, oceans and climate around the world.
The museum represents a significant evolution for the Society, whose visual storytelling has inspired generations through its magazines, documentaries and digital platforms. By bringing those stories into physical spaces, National Geographic hopes to inspire a new generation of explorers while highlighting ongoing scientific research.
“The Museum of Exploration tells the story of the National Geographic Society: our history, our mission and what we aspire to be,” said CEO Jill Tiefenthaler. “Visitors are surrounded by the bold ideas, groundbreaking discoveries and moving stories of our Explorers, leaving inspired to ask bigger questions and pursue new possibilities.“
At the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, in Washington, D.C., “Photo Ark: Animals of Earth” is the inaugural exhibition in the Museum’s Exhibition Gallery by renowned National Geographic Explorer, photographer and founder of the Photo Ark, Joel Sartore, and aims to inspire urgent action to protect the world’s at-risk species. Credit: Rebecca Hale/National Geographic
Permanent galleries
Immersive galleries and exhibitions inside the museum feature over 10,000 m² of thematic spaces :
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Rolex Explorers Landing: A dedicated gallery with artifacts celebrating and highlighting the journey from an Explorer’s first spark of curiosity to their lasting impact.
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The Archives, Supported by Lilly Endowment Inc.: a rare look at historic field notes, artifacts and digital innovations from iconic global expeditions, highlighting the Society’s legacy of storytelling.
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National Geographic Learning Launchpad, Powered by Cengage: This interactive geographic learning and map-making platform is designed to immerse school groups in the study of geography.
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Jack and Laura Dangermond | Esri Geoverse: In this cutting-edge 270-degree theater, visitors can explore diverse landscapes and learn about Explorer fieldwork through a series of rotating shows and playscapes.
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“Photo Ark: Animals of Earth”: Featured in the Exhibition Gallery at the museum, breathtaking 360-degree photography by Explorer Joel Sartore allows visitors to immerse themselves in stunning images of animals from around the globe.
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“In Focus: Photographs of National Geographic”: A permanent photography gallery showcasing selections of images from National Geographic photographers, also hosting the “Red, White, & Blue: Photographs of the United States” exhibition celebrating America’s semiquincentennial.
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Interactive Ecosystems, Powered by EPAM (Courtyard): A dynamic outdoor community hub featuring six distinct planters with life-sized sculptures, immersive soundscapes and augmented reality, inviting visitors to explore various environments and animals.
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Explorers Eatery & The Ballard Bar: An international food hall with authentic dishes that deliver a globally inspired dining experience featuring American, Italian, Moroccan, Peruvian and Vietnamese cuisine, and the Ballard Bar, named after Explorer at Large Robert (Bob) Ballard.
Nighttime multimedia show
Coinciding with the museum’s opening is the debut of Wonders of Our World: Ocean, a 17-minute outdoor nighttime multimedia experience staged in the museum’s redesigned courtyard.
Developed with multimedia studio Moment Factory, the ticketed evening attraction uses high-resolution LED displays, architectural lighting, interactive floor projections, immersive spatial audio and one of the world’s largest smart-glass projection installations to transport audiences beneath the ocean’s surface.
Inspired by the fieldwork of National Geographic Explorers, the production combines original music with stunning visual effects to showcase the beauty and importance of Earth’s oceans. The experience is designed for families and visitors of all ages, extending the museum experience beyond traditional gallery hours.
The opening strengthens Washington’s already impressive collection of museums but offers something distinctly different. While many institutions focus on preserving history, the Museum of Exploration emphasizes active scientific discovery and the future of exploration, encouraging visitors to see themselves as participants rather than spectators.
For travelers visiting the U.S. capital, the attraction adds another compelling stop to the city’s cultural landscape that reflects National Geographic’s spirit.
