National Geographic Museum of Exploration Opens in D.C. With Three Wonder-Inducing Experiences by Moment Factory

June 26, 2026

From a nightly ocean show and an interactive desert, to a touring exhibition based on Joel Sartore's Photo Ark, the National Geographic Society’s newly revitalized D.C. campus features a lineup of Moment Factory experiences designed to awaken your inner explorer.

On June 26, the doors officially opened to the National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C., unveiling a series of immersive experiences we’ve spent years collaborating on behind the scenes. Marking the National Geographic Society’s biggest campus expansion in nearly 130 years, the new museum features three distinct Moment Factory contributions: a nightly outdoor show, Wonders of Our World: Ocean; an interactive education hub, Geoverse; and a new touring exhibition, Photo Ark: Animals of Earth.

“Moment Factory has continually shown the utmost respect and care for our history and mission, while finding creative new ways to bring the work of our Explorers to life. Whether plunging audiences into oceanic depths or inviting them into desert landscapes, they’ve succeeded in channeling the wonder that our Explorers encounter in the field into a series of impactful experiences that inspire awe and appreciation for our world and those working to protect it,” said Emily Dunham, Chief Campus & Experiences Officer at the National Geographic Society.

Here’s a closer look at how we’re sparking wonder both inside and outside the new D.C. landmark:

WONDERS OF OUR WORLD: OCEAN, AN INNOVATIVE OUTDOOR SHOW EXTENDING EXPLORATION AFTER DARK

Tasked with bringing our expertise in signature nighttime shows to the museum's courtyard, we created Wonders of Our World: Ocean, a nightly, 17-minute immersive experience that envelops audiences in the raw power, mysterious depths, and remarkable biodiversity of the sea.

The experience is brought to life through a 360-degree orchestration of dynamic lighting, spatialized sound, an orchestral score, and video projections of footage captured by National Geographic Explorers and layered with custom effects that artfully extend its textures, colors, and movements. These visuals are projected onto the building’s facade, whose large-scale use of smart-glass technology, paired with an interior screen and floor projections, create an innovative multi-layered megacanvas that sets the stage for some of the show's most astonishing illusions.

GEOVERSE: AN INTERACTIVE LEARNING SPACE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF EXPLORERS

As part of the National Geographic Learning Launchpad, the museum’s dedicated hub for hands-on education, we developed Geoverse, a flexible, feature-rich space where young learners uncover the power of geography.

Equipped with a 270-degree projection surface, an interactive floor, and spatialized audio, Geoverse opened to the public with two unique experiences designed to transport audiences into diverse landscapes to engage in geographic inquiry. “Geography in Action” is a seven-minute immersive show designed to bring students into the field alongside National Geographic Explorers tackling real-world issues. “A Day in the Desert” is an interactive experience inviting children to explore the plant and animal life of Australia’s Great Victoria Desert through curiosity-led gameplay.

In line with the institution’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, we conducted user-experience testing with target age groups, implemented bilingual closed captioning, and integrated an American Sign Language (ASL) video guide.

PHOTO ARK: ANIMALS OF EARTH, AN IMMERSIVE EXHIBITION BUILT FOR GLOBAL TOURING AND CONSERVATION

The Museum of Exploration opened its Exhibition Gallery with the world premiere of Photo Ark: Animals of Earth, an immersive multi-room exhibition based on National Geographic Explorer Joel Sartore’s decades-long effort to document every animal species under human care around the world. Built for touring, the experience features a curated selection of portraits from Photo Ark in immersive formats designed to deepen viewers’ connection with species at risk of extinction.

“To me, Animals of Earth is more than an exhibit — it’s an opportunity to use this groundbreaking interactive technology to bring visitors face to face with all of the wonderful species that I have had the pleasure to photograph from around the globe, while also serving as a testament to the species diversity on our planet that we must work together to protect,” said Joel Sartore, National Geographic Explorer and founder of the Photo Ark.

SUPPORTING NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY’S VISION & MISSION

Inside and outside, day and night, Moment Factory’s creative and technical range is on full display at the Museum of Exploration, where we worked closely to ensure each experience met The Society’s educational goals and rigorous standards for scientific accuracy.

“It is a privilege to partner with the National Geographic Society, whose trust in our innovation and creativity empowers us to push the boundaries of immersive storytelling to illuminate the wonder of our world. At Moment Factory, we share this mission by creating collective experiences that spark curiosity and inspire new generations to learn, connect, and explore our planet,” said Marc-André Baril, Global Executive Director at Moment Factory.

Check out more of our recent collaborations with cultural and educational institutions

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MUSEUM OF EXPLORATION

Where? 1600 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

When? Open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Stick around after dark for Wonders of Our World: Ocean, which begins after closing.

How? To reserve your preferred entry time and purchase tickets in advance, visit the official National Geographic Museum of Exploration booking page.

Tags: Projects