Years in the Making, National Geographic's Museum of Exploration Is Here to Take You on an Adventure

The daytime exterior of the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, taken from the courtyard Joy Asico-Smith / National Geographic. A jaguar, capybara, vulture, hyena and tortoise greet visitors in the courtyard of National Geographic’s new Museum of Exploration. They’re just a few of the life-size animal sculptures in the outdoor space that give patrons a glimpse of the world’s ecosystems and environments. Among the wildlife is a giant 3-D version of the iconic yellow border from the cover of National Geographic magazine, meant for people to stand near for photos.

Inside the museum, on the first level, be sure to look beneath the floor in spots where it becomes transparent. One holds a partial replica of the Titanic’s rusted remains, discovered by oceanographer Robert Ballard in 1985. And don’t miss the wall display of a moon rock, collected during the Apollo 12 mission launched in 1969.

Elsewhere in the multi-floor building, National Geographic presents an archive of fascinating artifacts, a 270-degree panoramic theater and a permanent photography gallery, among other exhibitions. The structure also hosts an international eatery and gift shop.