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National Geographic To Open Museum, 400-Seat Theater In Downtown DC

  • October 21st 2024

by UrbanTurf Staff

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Courtyard_Daytime_2000.jpg
Exterior rendering. Click to enlarge.

The National Geographic Society has big plans for its downtown DC campus. 

On Monday, it was announced that National Geographic would open the Museum Of Exploration in 2026 at its campus at 1600 M Street NW (map). 

The new museum will be a "multidimensional public experience" showcasing the expeditions and findings of explorers throughout history. It will include a 400-seat theater, a restaurant and a nighttime courtyard, and spread out over 100,000 square feet. 

GrosvenorAuditorium_2000.jpg
Auditorium rendering. Click to enlarge.

"The new one of a kind public attraction is a pivotal step forward in the Society’s goal to build on its legacy of convening its global community of National Geographic Explorers — scientists, conservationists, storytellers and educators — who advance knowledge, inspire action and share their remarkable stories with the public," a press release read. 

This is just the latest plan to help reimagine the National Geographic campus. Last year, we reported that plans had been floated to the city for a 160-room hotel on the upper floors of the headquarters. Emily Dunham, chief campus and experiences officer at the National Geographic Society told UrbanTurf that the organization is still considering that idea.  

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/national_geographic_to_open_museum_400-seat_theater_in_downtown_dc/22842.

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