Washington, DC’s cultural landscape reaches an exciting new milestone with the opening of the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, a first-of-its-kind attraction that invites visitors to experience the wonder of exploration through immersive storytelling, cutting-edge technology and iconic National Geographic photography. Opened on June 26, 2026, the museum is set within the National Geographic Society’s revitalised global headquarters and adds a compelling new experience to the city’s world-renowned collection of museums and cultural institutions.

Spanning more than 100,000 square feet of interactive galleries, immersive environments and public spaces, the Museum of Exploration reimagines what a museum can be. Rather than simply showcasing artefacts, it places visitors at the centre of extraordinary expeditions, connecting them with the people, places and discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the planet through more than 135 years of National Geographic exploration.

Among the museum’s signature experiences is Photo Ark: Animals of Earth, an immersive exhibition inspired by National Geographic Explorer Joel Sartore’s global conservation project, alongside Rolex Explorers Landing, where guests can journey from the deepest oceans to outer space through the stories of National Geographic Explorers. Visitors can also explore the Society’s remarkable archives, discover interactive exhibits that blend physical artefacts with augmented reality, and experience a spectacular 400-seat immersive theatre designed to transport audiences into some of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.

The reimagined campus also introduces vibrant new public spaces, including a dramatic open-air courtyard that transforms after dark with large-scale projection mapping and multimedia experiences, alongside Explorers Eatery, a globally inspired dining destination celebrating cuisines from around the world. Together, these additions create a full-day experience that extends beyond traditional museum visits and reflects Washington, DC’s growing reputation for innovative cultural attractions.

Located just minutes from the White House, Dupont Circle and Embassy Row, the Museum of Exploration complements Washington, DC’s unparalleled collection of museums, monuments and historic landmarks. Whether paired with visits to the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall or the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, the museum offers travellers another compelling reason to experience the nation’s capital during the America250 commemorations and beyond.

Designed with accessibility at its core, the museum features multilingual content, tactile experiences, Braille, American Sign Language interpretation and captioning, ensuring that visitors of all ages and abilities can engage with the stories of exploration and discovery.