The National Geographic Society has announced that its
brand-new National Geographic Museum of Exploration has officially opened to
the public.
Located at the Society’s global headquarters at 1600 M St.
NW in downtown Washington, D.C., the landmark redefines the traditional museum
experience by turning passive viewing into an active journey. The
museum takes visual storytelling one step further, materializing these
environments into physical spaces where visitors can walk through history and
engage with active scientific breakthroughs.
"The Museum of Exploration tells the story of the
National Geographic Society: our history, our mission and what
we aspire to be," said Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National
Geographic Society in a statement.
She added, "From the moment you step through our doors,
you are surrounded by the bold ideas, groundbreaking discoveries and moving
stories of our Explorers, leaving visitors inspired to ask bigger questions,
pursue new possibilities and see themselves as explorers. The future of
exploration belongs to all of us."
Coinciding with opening day, the Society will debut “Wonders
of Our World: Ocean", an immersive, ticketed 17-minute outdoor nighttime
experience in the newly transformed museum courtyard. The multi-sensory journey
begins with a pre-show experience, then utilizes a spectacular 3-D illusion on
the façade to frame the ocean as the central character.
Exhibition Highlights
- Rolex Explorers Landing: A dedicated
gallery with artifacts celebrating and highlighting the journey from an
Explorer's first spark of curiosity to their lasting impact.
- The Archives, Supported by Lilly Endowment
Inc.: A rare look at historic field notes, artifacts and digital
innovations from iconic global expeditions, highlighting the Society's legacy
of storytelling.
- National Geographic Learning Launchpad,
Powered by Cengage: An interactive geographic learning and map-making
platform designed to immerse school groups in the study of geography.
- Jack and Laura Dangermond | Esri Geoverse:
A cutting-edge 270-degree theater where visitors can explore diverse landscapes
and learn about Explorer fieldwork through a series of rotating shows and
playscapes.
- "Photo Ark: Animals of Earth":
Featured in the Exhibition Gallery, the breathtaking 360-degree photography by
Explorer Joel Sartore allows visitors to immerse themselves in stunning images
of animals from around the globe.
- "In Focus: Photographs of National
Geographic": A permanent photography gallery showcasing selections of
images from National Geographic photographers, and hosting the "Red,
White, & Blue: Photographs of the United States" exhibition
celebrating America's semiquincentennial.
- Interactive Ecosystems, Powered by EPAM
(Courtyard): A dynamic outdoor community hub featuring six distinct
planters with life-sized sculptures, immersive soundscapes and augmented
reality to explore various environments and animals.
- Explorers Eatery & The Ballard Bar: At
the Explorers
Eatery
international food hall, visitors can enjoy authentic dishes delivering a
globally inspired dining experience featuring American, Italian, Moroccan,
Peruvian and Vietnamese cuisine,
and the Ballard Bar, named after Explorer at Large Robert (Bob) Ballard.
In addition to the grand opening, the museum will host a
robust schedule of programming through the weekend of June 26-28. The three-day
celebration offers visitors a chance to ignite their inner spark of curiosity
and engage directly with Explorers and global changemakers through hands-on
activities, live cultural performances and dynamic conversations.
General admission tickets start at $29.99 for adults with
daytime access to all interior galleries and exhibitions. The Nighttime
Experience requires a $10 add-on ticket to “Wonders of Our World: Ocean” due to
limited nighttime capacity.
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