June 26, 2026: Spark Your Curiosity
Grand Opening Weekend is your first opportunity to explore the National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C. Throughout the day, experience live performances, hands-on activities and opportunities to meet National Geographic Explorers.
Designed to spark curiosity, this day introduces you to what inspires the world-changing exploration taking place around the planet today — through real stories, conversations with Explorers and interactive moments across the museum.
Get Tickets NowFriday Schedule
Explore a full day of programming, including interactive activities, live performances and pop-up talks happening throughout the museum.
Drop-In Activities
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Create your own screen-printed memento inspired by nature, get tips on how to capture high quality photos from your smart phone and join the National Geographic Mapping Team for a mapmaking game.
Explorer Activations
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Meet National Geographic Explorers and learn about their work in the field. Between intimate coffee chats, pop-up talks and onstage conversations throughout the day, there is something for everyone to discover.
Live Performances
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Enjoy performances by artists and cultural groups from across D.C., that bring music, movement and community to the MOE. Learn D.C.’s own street dance from Beat Ya Feet, celebrate with DC’s Different Drummers, and more!
Explorers on Explorers
7 p.m.
Join host Malaika Vaz for an evening with Salome Buglass and Ved Chirayath in conversation with their mentor and inspiration Sylvia Earle. Hear how their journeys began, the moments that shaped their work and what continues to inspire them.
