National Geographic Museum of Exploration is now open
Inside the pavilion from the exclusive unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 16, 2026
The wait is over! Today, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration opens its doors in Washington, DC, inviting visitors on a journey of storytelling and scientific discovery.
Our architecture, interior design, and creative branding teams partnered with the National Geographic Society to transform its historic headquarters into an immersive museum experience. By stitching together three buildings built across different eras, the design unifies the campus and creates a central location to explore the exhibits and media and feed your curiosity.
The spirit of exploration extends beyond the exhibits and into the architecture itself. Visitors are immediately greeted with curved walls crafted from sustainably harvested ash wood, each piece CNC-laser-cut to fit perfectly. Inspired by natural landscapes and geological formations, these organic shapes blur the boundaries between walls, columns, and ceilings.
“Every design decision was an opportunity to test, refine, and uncover new possibilities,” said Project Director and Senior Principal Mark Ramirez, AIA. “Through several iterations of mockups and material studies, we pushed the boundaries of fabrication techniques for custom millwork.”
The building itself acts as a powerful storytelling device. Cutting-edge technology allows the glass facade to instantly shift between transparent, translucent, and opaque stages, doubling as a projection surface. One of the museum’s most distinctive features is an oval-shaped oculus on the pavilion ceiling that brings natural light into the entry pavilion. Encapsulated by steam-bent ash wood, the oculus reflects the project’s commitment to craftsmanship and material innovation while reinforcing the connection to nature with views of the sky.
The immersive environments were specifically designed to support discovery and learning. The experience is equally shaped by a commitment to accessibility, with dual-language content, inclusive 3D tactile elements, and audio descriptions that welcome a broad range of visitors. The museum is targeted to achieve LEED Platinum certification, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking design.
“The Museum of Exploration reflects the same curiosity and willingness to push boundaries that define the National Geographic Society,” said Lead Architect and Principal, Jason Wright, AIA, LEED AP. “From the very beginning, we wanted to create a new, meaningful experience for visitors. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the years of collaboration come to life and create a museum for the next 50 years.”
The museum is now open to the public. We invite you to see it for yourself!