National Geographic to open Museum of Exploration in Washington

The National Geographic Society will open the National Geographic Museum of Exploration on June 26 at its Washington headquarters, marking a major expansion of public-facing space and a shift toward immersive, technology-driven exhibits.

The project adds more than 100,000 square feet to the Society’s campus and represents an investment of more than $300 million. The museum is intended to broaden access to the organization’s archives and fieldwork while presenting exploration through interactive formats rather than traditional displays.

“The Museum of Exploration is where our legacy of storytelling meets the experiential technology of today, inviting everyone to step into the worlds of National Geographic Explorers,” said Jill Tiefenthaler, chief executive officer of the National Geographic Society.

The museum will include several permanent and rotating exhibitions. Among them is “Photo Ark: Animals of Earth,” featuring portraits by photographer Joel Sartore, and “In Focus: Photographs of National Geographic,” a curated selection of images spanning the organization’s history.

Historical works, such as early wildlife photography by George Shiras, will be displayed alongside contemporary images from photographers including Ami Vitale and Steve Winter.

The facility will also feature a central pavilion entrance, an archive-focused exhibition highlighting the Society’s publishing legacy and a thematic installation tracing the development of explorers’ work from initial research to long-term impact. A food hall with internationally themed offerings and a nearly 400-seat theater are also part of the design.

Accessibility and sustainability were incorporated into the project, including bilingual exhibit signage, Braille wayfinding and American Sign Language-supported media. The building is pursuing LEED Platinum certification.

General admission will start at $29.99 for adults, with discounted pricing available through the Museums for All program. The museum is scheduled to open to the public on June 26.