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  • Nat Geo’s New DC Museum Will Feature At-Risk Species Exhibition
A veiled chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus, at Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure confronts a camera lens. Salina, Kansas, USA.
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Nat Geo’s New DC Museum Will Feature At-Risk Species Exhibition

“Photo Ark: Animals of Earth” will open with the new museum in Summer 2026.

By Michele Kettner December 7, 2025 at 7:00 am

The forecast might call for snow, but summer will be here before you know it. And with the new season will also come a new museum with new exhibits. National Geographic announced that Photo Ark: Animals of Earth will be its inaugural exhibit featured in the Exhibition Gallery at the Museum of Exploration.

Located on the first floor of the museum, the new exhibit is set to open with the new museum this summer.

Photo Ark is created by Joel Sartore, a National Geographic photographer. The exhibition will allow visitors to come face-to-face with at-risk wildlife species from around the world. It will include large-scale projections, detailed images, and touch and sensor-driven interactives. 

Horsfield's tarsier, Cephalopachus bancanus borneanus, at the Taman Safari. Bogor, Jakarta, Indonesia
Photo of Horsfield’s tarsier presented at “Photo Ark: ANIMALS OF EARTH by Joel Sartore.” (Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark)

Photo Ark is just one of a handful of exhibits and immersive experiences announced for National Geographic’s highly anticipated museum. Museum-goers will also be able to explore In Focus, a permanent exhibition highlighting captivating photos from National Geographic. Nighttime Experience will be an immersive outdoor exhibit combining projections with other interactive elements. 

The state-of-the-art museum will also include additional educational experiences, a 400-seat theater, a restaurant, and store. Ticket prices have yet to be announced for the museum. 1600 M St. NW, Washington, DC

Feature image of veiled chameleon by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark

Michele Kettner

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.

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