The National Geographic Society has plans to launch a new museum on its Washington, DC, campus by mid-2026. The Museum of Exploration will feature exhibitions, immersive and educational experiences, a state-of-the-art theater, a restaurant, and a store.
“The Museum of Exploration marks a historic chapter in the Society’s mission to advance exploration, science, education and storytelling, bringing these experiences to life in ways that spark curiosity, create lasting memories and invite everyone to embrace their inner explorer,” said Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society. “We’re excited to welcome visitors to experience our mission through immersive, unforgettable moments that deepen their connection to the wonder of our world.”
National Geographic will renovate its three-building headquarters (known as Base Camp), which currently occupies a city block in DC, totaling nearly 900,000 square feet. The new attraction will cover over 100,000 square feet.
Some attractions in store for the Museum of Exploration include the following:
- The Rolex Explorer’s Landing, an exhibition with stories and artifacts from previous explorers’ expeditions;
- An immersive experience where visitors can play the role of an explorer;
- A 400-seat theater that shows National Geographic films;
- A nighttime courtyard experience with visual elements, projection mapping, interactive media, and audioscapes.
The museum is being built with sustainability in mind, with elements such as bird-safe glass, and gray water usage. Solar panels will supply one-fourth of the building’s power.
The design also incorporates accessibility and inclusivity, with elements like Braille instructional text, tactile and sensory maps, app support with visual descriptions, sign language interpretations, refrigerators for guest medication storage, all-gender restrooms, and wellness rooms.
“This experience is set to become a staple of the Washington, D.C. community — particularly within the Golden Triangle neighborhood — and it’s important we build upon our legacy as a historic institution in this city,” said Emily Dunham, chief campus and experiences officer at the National Geographic Society. “We are committed to making a positive impact at every level, inspiring the Explorer in all visitors and uniting the public on a common mission to become global stewards of our extraordinary planet.”
Feature image rendering by REDVERTEX, based on designs by Hickok Cole, Inc., courtesy National Geographic
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