The National Geographic Society has officially opened the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration, welcoming visitors to its reimagined global headquarters at 1600 M Street NW in downtown Washington, D.C. Designed with sustainability in mind, the state-of-the-art attraction marks a significant new chapter in the organization's history while encouraging visitors to embrace their own spirit of discovery.
Situated in the heart of the U.S. capital, the museum transforms the conventional museum model by replacing passive observation with immersive participation. For decades, National Geographic has captivated audiences through powerful visual storytelling that fosters meaningful connections to the world. The Museum of Exploration extends that experience beyond print and digital platforms, recreating environments that allow visitors to physically step into historical moments and engage with contemporary scientific discoveries. Unlike traditional institutions focused primarily on preserving the past, this museum offers a dynamic and interactive experience centered on ongoing exploration.
"The Museum of Exploration reflects the story of the National Geographic Society—our legacy, our purpose, and our vision for the future," said Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society. "From the moment guests enter, they are immersed in the inspiring stories, groundbreaking discoveries, and bold ideas of our Explorers. We hope every visitor leaves empowered to ask bigger questions, pursue new opportunities, and recognize their own potential as explorers. The future of exploration belongs to everyone."
Coinciding with the museum's opening, the Society is launching "Wonders of Our World: Ocean," a ticketed, 17-minute outdoor nighttime spectacle presented in the newly redesigned museum courtyard. Created in partnership with the acclaimed multimedia studio Moment Factory and inspired by the work of National Geographic Explorers, the experience combines cutting-edge technology with immersive storytelling for audiences of all ages. The production features an expansive multimedia environment incorporating high-resolution LED displays, architectural lighting, interactive floor projections, spatial audio, and the world's largest smart-glass installation for dynamic visual projections across the pavilion façade. Enhanced by an original musical score and immersive sound design, the experience takes audiences on a compelling journey through the beauty and power of Earth's oceans.
The experience begins with a pre-show activation featuring atmospheric lighting, immersive audio, and interactive floor projections throughout the courtyard. A dramatic building illumination sequence signals the start of the main performance, which uses large-scale 3D visual effects to position the ocean as the central protagonist, exploring themes of strength, balance, and wonder. Following the performance, visitors are invited to interact with bioluminescent-inspired floor projections that respond to movement under simulated moonlight.
Serving as a natural extension of the museum's daytime exhibitions, the nighttime experience complements more than 100,000 square feet of accessible and sustainably designed public spaces featuring permanent and rotating exhibitions, including:
• Rolex Explorers Landing: A dedicated exhibition showcasing artifacts and stories that trace the journey of explorers from their earliest moments of curiosity to their lasting contributions.
• The Archives, Supported by Lilly Endowment Inc.: A unique opportunity to view historic field journals, artifacts, and digital innovations from landmark expeditions that helped define the Society's storytelling legacy.
• National Geographic Learning Launchpad, Powered by Cengage: An interactive geography and mapmaking environment designed to engage students and school groups in hands-on learning experiences.
• Jack and Laura Dangermond | Esri Geoverse: An advanced 270-degree immersive theater featuring rotating presentations and interactive experiences highlighting diverse environments and field research.
• "Photo Ark: Animals of Earth": Presented in the museum's Exhibition Gallery, this immersive exhibition showcases breathtaking panoramic wildlife photography by National Geographic Explorer Joel Sartore.
• "In Focus: Photographs of National Geographic": A permanent gallery displaying iconic National Geographic photography, including the special exhibition "Red, White, & Blue: Photographs of the United States," commemorating America's upcoming semiquincentennial.
• Interactive Ecosystems, Powered by EPAM (Courtyard): An outdoor interactive environment featuring life-sized sculptures, immersive audio experiences, augmented reality elements, and themed ecological displays.
• Explorers Eatery & The Ballard Bar: Guests can enjoy globally inspired cuisine at the Explorers Eatery, featuring American, Italian, Moroccan, Peruvian, and Vietnamese dishes, as well as beverages at The Ballard Bar, named in honor of Explorer at Large Robert "Bob" Ballard.
To celebrate the grand opening, the museum will host an extensive lineup of events from June 26 through June 28, offering visitors opportunities to engage with renowned Explorers, participate in interactive activities, and experience cultural performances.
Festivities on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, will include ecosystem-themed screen printing workshops led by Explorer Nirupa Rao, smartphone photography classes, and mapmaking scavenger hunts. Visitors will also have opportunities to meet celebrated Explorers and attend live discussions featuring marine scientist Sylvia Earle, technologist Albert Lin, journalist Tara Roberts, and others. Evening programming will feature cultural performances by groups including Beat Ya Feet Academy and the Hung Vuong Lion Dance Team, culminating in an international street festival atmosphere.
On Sunday, June 28, family-focused programming will offer hands-on educational experiences, including building tracking devices with the Explorer Technology Lab, exploring aquatic ecosystems alongside the Mahogany Mermaids, and creating environmental storytelling comics. Guests will also be able to attend "Best of the Eatery," a special event featuring National Geographic's "Best of the World" host Antoni Porowski, who will explore the stories and culinary traditions behind the museum's international food offerings through conversations with the culinary team and tastings from all five food stations.
The closing day of celebrations will feature presentations from Explorers such as biodiversity researchers Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya and Steve Boyes, accompanied by traditional Peruvian music and dance performances from Papalca DC and nature-inspired acoustic performances by Dr. Ben Mirin, also known as DJ Ecotone.
The National Geographic Society also acknowledged the contributions of its Grand Opening Partners—Cengage, Chubb, EPAM, Jack and Laura Dangermond | Esri, Principal Foundation, Rolex, and The Climate Pledge—for their support in bringing the Museum of Exploration to fruition.
Visitor Information and Tickets
The National Geographic Museum of Exploration will be open daily.

Click here to buy tickets to the Museum of Exploration.

The journey to becoming a scientist often begins with a moment of curiosity—observing something and pondering its workings and reasons. Science flourishes when driven by genuine inquisitiveness and a commitment to problem-solving, traits clearly demonstrated by the finalists of the 2024 3M Young Scientists Challenge.
 
Since 2008, 3M and Discovery Education have collaborated to support the development of future scientists through this Challenge. They have awarded substantial scholarships, paired students with esteemed scientists for valuable real-world experience, and provided essential resources to millions of students, educators, and families.
 
As we approach the announcement of America’s Top Young Scientist on Tuesday, October 15, 3M is showcasing four former Challenge participants who continue to pursue scientific endeavors and address global issues.
 
Innovative cancer treatment
Heman Bekele from Fairfax, Virginia, is the reigning America’s Top Young Scientist, having won the title in 2023. Following his victory, Bekele has filed for a U.S. patent, collaborated with a Johns Hopkins University professor on clinical trials, participated in national media interviews, and completed his freshman year of high school. His groundbreaking invention is a unique bar of soap designed to treat skin cancer, utilizing lipid nanoparticles that stimulate the body’s immune response. Dubbed Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS), his idea was inspired by the sun's powerful effects in his native Ethiopia, where he lived until he was four.
 
Since his win at the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, Bekele has earned accolades such as TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year, a nomination for the IPO Education Foundation’s Inspiration Award, and recognition at the Miami-Dade College STEAM Expo. He has also presented at the annual Congress of Future Medical Leaders and spoken at a White House Power Up event. While he remains focused on his education, Bekele aspires to establish a nonprofit organization by 2028 aimed at expanding access to skin cancer treatments. He intends to allocate a significant portion of his Challenge prize money to further develop his soap invention, while also saving some for college, where he plans to study electrical engineering.
 
Using AI for wildfire prediction
In 2019, Reshma Kosaraju from Saratoga, California, was a finalist in the Young Scientist Challenge for her development of a predictive model that employs machine learning and neural networks to forecast forest fires with nearly 90% accuracy. She recalls wearing a mask at school during the 2018 Camp Fire, the most destructive wildfire in California's history, which burned more than 200 miles away. “I realized that if I could pull this off, the results could be quite impactful in terms of how many lives we can save and how much we can help the environment,” she shared with TIME for Kids.
 
According to the National Interagency Coordination Center, over 39,000 wildfires have occurred in 2024, scorching more than 1.3 billion acres. Major fires not only devastate communities but also produce smoke that can travel vast distances, posing health risks to those affected. Being able to predict potential fire outbreaks can help evacuate people and guide firefighters to critical areas for early intervention.
 
Following her success, Kosaraju participated in a panel discussion at the 2022 NASA imaginAviation event. She graduated from high school in spring 2024 and is now part of MIT's class of 2028, pursuing studies in computer science and brain and cognitive sciences.
 
Purpose-driven app development
Gitanjali Rao, the winner in 2017, is currently a sophomore at MIT. Her Challenge project involved creating a mobile app called “Tethys,” which utilizes Bluetooth technology to accelerate lead detection in water. This is just one aspect of her passion for science; she later developed “Kindly,” an AI-based app designed to combat cyberbullying on social media, and “Epione,” which aims to expedite the diagnosis of prescription opioid addiction.
 
Since winning the 3M competition, Rao has garnered numerous accolades typically associated with far more experienced individuals. She was named TIME’s Kid of the Year in 2020, honored at a “Girls Leading Change” event at the White House, included in Forbes 30 Under 30, received the Muhammed Ali Humanitarian Award, and has become a UNICEF Youth Advocate. Like Bekele, she presented at the Congress of Future Medical Leaders and has been featured on PBS and Good Morning America.
 
An enthusiastic advocate for STEM education in schools, clubs, and communities globally, Gitanjali aims to inspire a movement among teens to drive positive change. Her story was highlighted in "Not the Science Type," a four-part docuseries addressing stereotypes and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields.
 
From young scientist to CEO
Nearly ten years have passed since Hannah Herbst claimed the grand prize in the 2015 Young Scientist Challenge for her innovative Ocean Energy Probe, which provides stable energy and fresh water to developing nations. After studying at Florida Atlantic University, she worked on developing a reusable, antibacterial bandage for post-operative patients that utilized the unique properties of shark skin.
 
Now a college graduate, Herbst is the founder and CEO of Golden Hour Medical, which offers innovative devices that bystanders can use to control blood loss in emergencies. She developed the company’s flagship product, the Auto TQ tourniquet, in partnership with 2017 Young Scientist Challenge finalist Devin Willis. Like Rao, Herbst has been recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 and has spoken at prestigious events including the United Nations and the USA Science and Engineering Festival. She has also been featured in Business Insider and on Good Morning America.
 
The future of STEM talent
3M will continue to support these exceptional young minds as they advance in their scientific pursuits. While each individual forges their own unique path, they are united by a shared passion for science that began early in their lives and an understanding of the vital role a STEM education plays in achieving success.