National Geographic’s Museum of Exploration Is D.C.’s Most Ambitious New Attraction

Walking into National Geographic’s new Museum of Exploration feels like walking into the hull of a massive ship. Over 100,000 pieces of curved ashwood surround the entrance hall and travel up a spiral staircase that gives the MLK Library a run for its money.

After four years and $300-million in renovations, the museum finally opens June 26 on M Street NW with immersive exhibits, photographs and artifacts spanning more than a century of discovery.

Like many Washingtonians, I have vivid memories of the old National Geographic Museum: a small, dark maze of rooms with rotating exhibits and old artifacts that never seemed worth the $20 ticket price. But folks, we’re not in Kansas anymore. The renovations have rendered the museum unrecognizable. The bright and open space inspires rather than depresses. Soon I found myself investigating niche bugs and maps I would otherwise pass by.

The National Geographic Society was founded in 1888 and now funds over 3,000 explorers worldwide.

“This is the next step in our legacy of storytelling,” Jill Tiefenthaler, the society’s chief executive officer, told me. ”We're hoping to bring millions of people here to learn more about [our explorer’s] work.”

This is a museum built for the modern era; technology is woven into its DNA. The entire front of the entrance hall is made of smart glass which can be used as a screen, displaying projections both inside and out. This is used nightly to display a “Wonders of Our World: Oceans” exhibit in the museum's courtyard.

For Tiefenthaler, a former educator, her favorite part of the museum is the education center: a large interactive learning center for kids that I spent way too much time in. You can trace animal migration patterns with your steps, play “photo editor” or find beaver habitats. I was left wondering if it was too late for me to become a National Geographic explorer myself.

“It’s just magical to see their eyes light up and how excited they are to learn about the wattled crane or be transported somewhere else,” Tiefenthaler told me.

Outside of the exhibits, the museum is going all out on public programming.

“We really want to be part of the cultural landscape of Washington, D.C.” Tiefenthaler said. ”My dream is that people will say, ‘I wonder what's happening at Nat Geo this weekend. Let's head over there and hear from this new explorer or see that new film.’”

The museum will host a weekly public farmers market, a trivia night ($10), opportunities to chat with explorers, Friday concerts in the courtyard ($20) and after-hours museum nights ($40).

Opening day will have live performances by local music artists such as D.C.’s Different Drummers and DJ Little Bacon Bear, along with workshops by D.C. street dance collective Beat Ya Feet and conversations with explorers.

The museum is doable in one afternoon. I’d recommend 2-3 hours to wander around the museum. Then reward yourself with some food or cocktails from the museum's “Explorers Eatery,” which has five stalls dedicated to different cruises around the world.

The museum is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $23 for kids and can be purchased online or at the museum. Tiefenthaler recommends grabbing them online, as opening weekend is almost completely sold out.