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National Geographic Museum of Exploration

Washington · Museum

The Museum of Exploration transforms National Geographic's 17th Street headquarters — known as Base Camp — into a roughly 100,000-square-foot, experience-driven home for the Society's storied legacy of exploration.

Now open
AnnouncedBreaking GroundConstructionOpening SoonNow Open
2026
Completion
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Details

Open since 2026.

The story so far
Announced 2026 est.
Opened 2026
Milestones are dated to when they actually happened and linked to their source. This record fills in over time as TMW tracks the project.
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About the project

The Museum of Exploration transforms National Geographic's 17th Street headquarters — known as Base Camp — into a roughly 100,000-square-foot, experience-driven home for the Society's storied legacy of exploration. Anchored by a glass pavilion and a landscaped public courtyard, the museum weaves together exclusively curated exhibitions, iconic photography, world-famous artifacts, and an education center with cutting-edge attractions including an immersive theater and a walking "dark ride." A signature green wall and extensive sustainability measures, from reused building materials to rooftop solar that supplies a meaningful share of the campus's power, frame a downtown cultural destination designed to inspire a new generation of explorers and conservationists.

Developer & design
Common questions

Frequently asked

Where is National Geographic Museum of Exploration located?

National Geographic Museum of Exploration is located in Washington.

Is National Geographic Museum of Exploration open?

National Geographic Museum of Exploration is now open. It was completed in 2026.

Who is developing National Geographic Museum of Exploration?

National Geographic Society is the developer behind National Geographic Museum of Exploration.