The National Geographic Museum of Exploration Will Open on June 26, 2026

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration will open on June 26, 2026, at the Society’s global headquarters in Washington, D.C. This marks a $300 million revitalization of the nearly 130-year-old campus, creating over 100,000 square feet of new public space designed to inspire the explorer in every visitor.

Immersive Technology:
Cutting-edge interactive exhibits that bring explorers’ journeys to life.

Signature Spaces:
- Pavilion entrance at 1600 M St. NW
- The Archives exhibition celebrating National Geographic’s storytelling legacy
- Rolex Explorers Landing tracing the path from curiosity to impact
- Explorers Eatery, a global food hall

Exhibitions:
- Photo Ark: Animals of Earth by Joel Sartore (temporary)
- In Focus: Photographs of National Geographic featuring iconic images like Ami Vitale’s photo of the last male northern white rhino.

Accessibility & Sustainability:
Signage in English/Spanish with Braille, ASL integration, tactile photographs, and a design aiming for LEED Platinum certification.

Admission
- General admission starts at $29.99 for adults.
- Discounted entry available through Museums for All, ensuring cost isn’t a barrier to curiosity.

As CEO Jill Tiefenthaler explained: “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.”