WASHINGTON — Washington, D.C., get ready to unleash your inner adventurer because the National Geographic Society is bringing something extra exciting to town. Come 2026, Nat Geo will open the doors to the Museum of Exploration, an addition to its historic campus in the heart of the city. But this won’t be your average museum visit—think of it more like stepping into the pages of a National Geographic magazine and experiencing the wonders of the world in real life (minus the mosquito bites and jet lag).
What’s in store?
How about starting your journey through an iconic 11-foot yellow border (the same yellow frame that has graced National Geographic covers for decades). Then stepping straight into a world of explorers. The first stop? Rolex Explorers Landing, where you'll geek out over the gear and stories from some of the most daring expeditions.
Feeling brave? Dive headfirst into an Immersive Experience that lets you live the life of an explorer for a day. You'll trek through rainforests, dive beneath the ocean, and visit some of the most remote places on Earth, all without leaving D.C.!
Need a break from all the excitement? The museum’s state-of-the-art theater will have you covered with 400 seats and visuals that bring National Geographic’s jaw-dropping films to life.
But wait, it gets cooler (literally). For those who prefer their adventures under the stars, the museum’s Nighttime Courtyard Experience will turn D.C.’s skyline into a canvas for some of the most stunning visuals Nat Geo has to offer.
Expect more to be announced in the coming months.
National Geographic's Museum of Exploration set to open in DC
For the little explorers… and big ones too!
Education is at the core of everything National Geographic does, and the Museum of Exploration will be no different. School groups (and curious adults!) will get hands-on learning experiences that encourage them to think like an explorer. With critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity at the forefront, kids will leave feeling ready to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Whether that’s solving climate change or figuring out how to convince their parents to adopt a pet lizard.
Inclusivity and accessibility? Check.
This museum won’t just be epic. It will also be accessible to all. The design includes everything from Braille texts to wellness rooms and American Sign Language (ASL) translations of media. Plus, all exhibition spaces will feature English and Spanish text, making sure that everyone gets to explore the wonders of the world.