Museum of Explorations in Washington (National Geographic)

The Museum of Explorations at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. opened in June 2026 and ranks among the largest museums in the US capital with over 9,000 square metres of exhibition space. Set within the Society's roughly 130-year-old campus near the White House, the museum puts the stories behind expeditions on every continent centre stage — from the first idea to the finished report.

Augmented Reality and Underwater Worlds

The experience begins right on the forecourt: at "Into the Field AR", you step into the shoes of a wildlife photographer using augmented reality and your smartphone, encountering twenty animal species in meticulously crafted virtual habitats. In the evening, the forecourt transforms for one hour into an immersive underwater world — with spectacular light and sound effects and enormous projections on the glass façade of the entrance hall.

Photography That Gets Under Your Skin

The "In Focus" gallery showcases highlights from the National Geographic Society's legendary photo collection in evocative settings. The exhibition "Photo Ark: Animals of Earth" presents the work of wildlife photographer Joel Sartore, who has documented thousands of species — from tiny creatures to enormous mammals, some captured in never-before-seen intimate moments.

From the Archives to the Expedition

"The Archives" takes you behind the scenes of the Society's vast magazine operation: hundreds of photographs, film clips, artefacts and audio recordings reveal how a field idea becomes a finished report. A room-filling digital installation lets you browse every cover of National Geographic Magazine since its first issue in 1888. "Rolex Explorer Landing" follows researchers on their journey from initial concept through expedition to analysis. For younger visitors, the "National Geographic Learning Launchpad" is designed to spark curiosity, foster critical thinking and bring geography to life.

Dining and Theatre

The "Explorer Eatery" serves specialities from countries around the globe. The immersive theatre "Experience our Legacy" tells the stories behind the Society's most significant expeditions and research journeys in vivid images.

The National Geographic Society was founded in Washington, D.C. in 1888 — the same year the first issue of National Geographic Magazine was published, distributed to just 205 members. Since then, the Society has funded and documented thousands of expeditions and research projects across every continent and ocean. The historic campus near the White House dates back to the 1890s and has been expanded several times over the decades. The Museum of Explorations was created as part of a comprehensive redesign of the campus, with an investment of more than 300 million US dollars, and is the National Geographic Society's most ambitious public project to date.

By Car

Since the museum is located in the heart of the city, parking is available only on the street.

By Public Transportation

The 16th St & M St NW bus stop is right next to the museum.