As kids, our days are filled with wonder as we learn about the world around us, from the millions of species we share the Earth with to the remarkable breakthroughs science makes every day.
Less so as adults. Unless you actively choose to seek it out – which is exactly what you can do at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration from this summer.
Set to open on 26 June, the newly revamped museum is part of the National Geographic Society’s near 130-year-old campus in Washington D.C.
Featuring immersive technology, the galleries and exhibitions inside will focus on both the story of the society’s history and inspiring the next generation.
“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,” says Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society .
“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. ”
What to expect inside the Museum of Exploration
Having first launched in 1888, the National Geographic Society has played a key role in funding numerous projects and expeditions around the globe.
It is perhaps best known for its magazine, National Geographic, and the spectacular photography featured in every issue.
You’ll be able to learn about exactly that within The Archives exhibition, which looks at the journey of a magazine story from the initial field assignment to laying out the final spread before going to press.
At the researcher’s table within the archives there are more than 300 photos, film clips, artefacts and sound recordings on show from over the years, and you’ll even be able to give the photographic process a go yourself within the darkroom.
For a deeper dive, sign up for a guided tour where you’ll get access to a special archival display of the rare materials the society collects, stores and preserves as part of its ongoing research.
Elsewhere in the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, you can see every single cover within the Magazine Gallery, while the In Focus: Photographs of National Geographic exhibition features some of the brand’s most iconic photographs.
Highlights include George Shiras’ nocturnal wildlife shots – the first ever taken at night – as well as Ami Vitale’s photographs of the last male northern white rhinoceros, Sudan, who died in 2018.
Visitors can also explore the temporary exhibit Photo Ark: Animals of Earth , featuring the work of photographer Joel Sartore.
Over the past two decades, he has photographed more than 17,000 species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres. These snaps are presented on black and white backgrounds with no size difference between creatures so that viewers give each animal equal attention.
Finally, the Rolex Explorers Landing looks at the work of researchers who have been supported by the society, going from the first spark of curiosity to the lasting impact of their fieldwork.
Once you’ve got your fill, you can fill your stomach at Explorers Eatery, an international food hall with five rotating food stalls, with the initial cuisines including American, Italian, Moroccan, Peruvian and Vietnamese.