Animal and nature enthusiasts won’t have to wait much longer to get their fill of the great outdoors. After two years of construction, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration is hosting a grand opening on Friday, June 26. Located in downtown DC, the revitalized 130-year-old campus will feature more than 100,000 square feet of space for exhibits, immersive experiences, and award-winning photos.
The grand opening weekend will have activities and live performances designed to show off the museum’s new offerings. From June 26 to 28, there are sessions that allow visitors to watch live cultural performances and hear from National Geographic explorers. Plus, there’s an evening street fair on June 27.
“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,” said Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of The National Geographic Society, in a press release. “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 museum had a budget of more than $300 million, from a combination of fundraising and donor contributions. Visitors can expect to see technology elements intertwined with exhibits that highlight National Geographic’s storytelling roots.
The museum has announced seven exhibits, five immersive experiences, and a food hall for the museum’s opening, including:
- The Archives: This exhibit will showcase National Geographic’s legacy through artifacts, images, and interactive media.
- Rolex Explorers Landing: Divided into four areas – spark, trek, purpose, and impact – this exhibit will honor the impact of explorers.
- Photo Ark: Animals of Earth: This photo exhibit will showcase photos, projects, and interactions of at-risk wildlife species taken by National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore.
- Geoverse: Visitors can explore diverse landscapes with 270-degree visuals by watching a series of shows at this immersive theatre.
- Red, White & Blue: Photographs of the United States: This exhibit will celebrate America250 by displaying colorful photos by National Geographic photographers including Ronan Donovan, Katie Orlinsky, and David Doubilet, on stories that shape the nation.
Presale tickets are available for purchase. Timed entry tickets start at $29.99 for adults ages 18 to 64, $22.99 for children ages 5 to 17, $25.99 for seniors 65 and older, and free for children 4 and under. The museum will also participate in Museums for All, which offers discounted tickets to those enrolled in SNAP and WIC.
Feature image by Elman Studio/National Geographic
