The National Geographic Society is opening a new chapter in its history, which spans more than 137 years. On 26 June this year, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington will be officially opened. The museum has been created following almost four years of redevelopment of the organisation’s historic campus. The investment, worth over 300 million dollars, comprises 9,300 square metres of new visitor space.
The largest investment since 1888
The redevelopment of the historic campus cost the equivalent of approximately 1.1 billion zlotys. This is the largest financial undertaking in the history of the organisation, which has been operating since 1888. Work began in 2022, shortly after the closure of the previous museum, and lasted nearly four years. The result is a new complex at 1600 M Street NW in central Washington, just a few minutes’ walk from the White House. Visitors will have access to thousands of square metres of exhibition, educational and recreational space.
Over 100 years of history at the National Geographic campus
The National Geographic Society was founded on 13 January 1888 on the initiative of 33 scientists, geographers and explorers. The organisation acquired its own headquarters in 1904, when Hubbard Memorial Hall, designed by the architectural firm Hornblower & Marshall, was completed. The campus gradually expanded. A new wing was added in 1912, and in 1964 the complex was extended with a building designed by Edward Durell Stone. Further expansion took place in the 1980s. For decades, it was here that successive issues of National Geographic magazine were produced, research expeditions were organised, and millions of photographs and scientific materials were archived.
National Geographic and a $300 million museum
Hickok Cole Architects are responsible for the design of the latest major redevelopment, whilst HITT Contracting is the main contractor. In their design, the architects opted to retain a significant portion of the existing structure rather than demolish it. As a result, around 95 per cent of the materials were recovered, and sections of the original marble façade were reused in the construction of the new entrance pavilion. The complex has also been fitted with a photovoltaic system, a retention tank holding 170,000 litres of rainwater, and systems that reduce energy consumption by around 25% compared to standard buildings of this size.
A yellow frame will welcome visitors
The tour begins beneath a distinctive yellow frame over 3 metres high, reminiscent of the iconic National Geographic symbol. Visitors then proceed to a grand pavilion featuring large-format LED screens, a spherical installation depicting the Earth, and wooden vaults crafted from ash timber sourced from farms in New England. The museum also features a cinema seating around 400 people and gardens showcasing flora typical of six of the world’s ecosystems.
Interactive exhibitions and treasures
The new museum focuses on engaging experiences. Visitors will see multimedia exhibitions dedicated to research expeditions, nature conservation and scientific discoveries, as well as unique materials from the National Geographic archives. Among the most valuable exhibits will be historic cameras, maps, expedition notebooks and original copies of the famous photographs published in the magazine. The programme will be complemented by exhibitions on endangered animal species and modern explorers, as well as immersive installations using image, sound and light, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the world’s most remote corners.
According to the campus authorities, the opening of the National Geographic Museum of Exploration is much more than simply the launch of a new tourist attraction in Washington. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of an organisation that, for 137 years, has been inspiring people to explore the world and promoting knowledge about people, nature and science.
Source: National Geographic Museum of Exploration
See also:Architecture|Interesting facts|Museum | New York|United States|Modernism|whiteMAD on Instagram
