Location
1145 17th St NWWashington, DC
Phase two of National Geographic’s headquarters renovation brings the Museum of Exploration to DC. National Geographic enlisted Hickok Cole and our engineering partners to reimagine the central plaza, expand the interior experience and design a new pavilion that transforms the existing quiet entry into a dynamic destination in Washington DC. The pavilion is a showcase for storytelling, exploration and place where, visitors, members and explorers and all can meet each other and interact.
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Guided by National Geographic’s mission, to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world, we combined inspiration from nature with cutting-edge digital fabrication technologies to envision and then construct the unprecedented Museum of Exploration – a cultural landmark that sets new benchmarks in both scale and innovation.
Sweeping curved planters and intricate paving patterns evoke the natural forms of island archipelagos and meandering glacier rivers, welcoming visitors into an environment of discovery.
Drawing inspiration from rippling water, this dramatic architectural centerpiece not only enhances space’s ambiance but also serves as the foundation for state-of-the-art show systems.
Advanced 3D-modeling meets revolutionary digital fabrication in these geologically inspired surfaces. The design captures the majesty of Arizona’s natural slot canyons, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the museum experience.
Inspired by seashell forms, these acoustically transparent structures define the theatre space while serving dual purposes: internal illumination and a canvas for immersive presentations.
A striking architectural feature echoing sand dunes that required complex 3D modeling never previously seen in United States.
A reimagined pedestrian pathway along the campus perimeter and rich, multi-sensory plaza environment activate the new campus gateway along the busy M Street corridor.
National Geographic’s iconic yellow border, referencing the design of its magazine, welcomes explorers to the campus and marks the beginning of the immersive experience.
Designed to present and preserve stories from National Geographic’s history, the space will feature immersive exhibits, a renovated 400-seat theater, a 30’ high video wall, cutting-edge nighttime courtyard digital show, new store, a renovated café, state-of-the-art education center, public archives and one of the key attractions—the Rolex Explorers Landing, an exhibition focused on storytelling of historic expeditions by engaging equipment and artifacts.
Inclusivity and accessibility are woven and engrained into the museum’s design and visitor experience, ensuring the entirety of National Geographic’s audience are welcome to explore. Features such as braille instructional text, tactile and sensory maps, refrigerators available for medication storage, all-gender restrooms, and wellness rooms are available for guests to use.
“The Museum of Exploration marks a historic chapter in the Society’s mission to advance exploration, science, education and storytelling,” CEO Jill Tiefenthaler told the Washington Business Journal. Jean Case, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Geographic Society, said in their press release, “This new Museum of Exploration will build upon that [mission], bringing all who visit the museum existing opportunities to virtually travel to the front lines of the unknown with our Explorers, and help to inspire the next generation of changemakers.”
1145 17th St NWWashington, DC
National Geographic Society
New Pavilion + Interior Public Space: Approximately 55,000 SFGalleries + Exhibits: Approximately 55,000 SFPublic Plaza + Exterior Terrace: Approximately 28,000 SF
