National Geographic unveils new Museum of Exploration after $300 million overhaul
Following four years of extensive renovation, National Geographic unveiled its state-of-the-art Museum of Exploration in Washington D.C. The $300 million, cutting-edge Museum of Exploration is the heart of National Geographic’s 130-year-old campus less than two miles from the National Mall. Alongside the museum, the National Geographic Society also debuted “Wonders of Our World: Ocean,” an immersive, ticketed, 17-minute outdoor nighttime experience in the transformed museum courtyard.
Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society, said in a statement, “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. Every inch is designed to immerse visitors in Explorers’ journeys, the tools that move exploration forward, and the curiosity that drives our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.”
The National Geographic Museum of Exploration officially opened to the public on June 17, 2026.
What’s inside
Step inside a modern, technologically thrilling museum to explore.
- The Archives celebrates National Geographic’s storytelling legacy.
- Rolex Explorers Landing features artifacts highlighting the journeys of National Geographic Explorers.
- National Geographic Learning Launchpad is an interactive map-making experience designed for school groups.
- Esri Geoverse is a 270-degree immersive theater.
- In Focus: Photographs of National Geographic showcases some of the organization’s most iconic photography.
- Photo Ark: Animals of Earth is the museum’s first temporary exhibition, highlighting wildlife photography from the Photo Ark project.
- Interactive Ecosystems is an outdoor exhibit featuring six distinct habitats, life-size sculptures, immersive soundscapes, and augmented reality experiences.
- Explorers Eatery is the museum’s on-site food hall.
By day, the museum’s courtyard uses “In the Field AR” to awaken sculptures and ecosystems. Life-sized sculptures and immersive soundscapes invite guests to explore six different environments. An augmented reality experience allows visitors to watch as animals appear in the environment and interact with the sculptures of the museum. Each gallery of the Museum of Exploration features its own unique technology.
Nighttime experience add-on
The “Wonders of Our World: Ocean” nighttime experience begins with a pre-show in the courtyard with theatrical lighting and an interactive floor projection. Next, comes a 3D illusion that transforms the building facade into the ocean. After the show, guests can engage with the reactive floor as bioluminescent waves under the moonlight. The nighttime experience is an additional $10 ticket to museum entry.
The Museum of Exploration is part of a growing collection of technologically advanced, interactive museums such as the National Comedy Center in New York and the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opening in Los Angeles later this fall.
The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is open daily. Current admission is $29.99 for adults (ages 18-64), $25.99 for seniors (age 65+), $22.99 for youth (ages 5-17), and ages 4 and under are free.
What’s nearby
National Geographic’s Museum of Exploration is located at 1600 M Street NW Washington, D.C. 20036.
Of course, Museum of Exploration can also be part of a vacation to the Washington D.C. area coupled with visits to other attractions such as the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The free White House Museum (different than the actual White House) is nearby too.
Those looking to travel further from the Mall can head to National Harbor.
The Museum of Exploration combines National Geographic’s iconic storytelling with the kind of interactive technology increasingly found in modern museums. It’s a great destination for families, science enthusiasts and travelers looking for an attraction beyond the Smithsonian museums.
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