National Geographic Museum Of Exploration
Message from Tripadvisor •
Temporarily closed until further notice
National Geographic Museum Of Exploration
National Geographic Museum Of Exploration
4
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
- Temporarily closed Opening 2026, discover the wonder of our world through one-of-a-kind exhibitions, immersive experiences, a state-of-the-art theater, and more. Unlock the Explorer within.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience National Geographic Museum Of Exploration and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown
How to get there
- Farragut North • 4 min walk
- Farragut West • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,603 within 3 miles
Attractions
909 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
866 reviews
Excellent
346
Very good
264
Average
135
Poor
79
Terrible
43
daystarthom9
Minot, ND6 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Both of the exhibits 'Women of the World' and
'Becoming Jane' were beyond great. However, 'Becoming Jane' will be remembered by me forever.
And, it is the best ever museum exhibit I have ever experienced. Experienced is the correct word since this exhibit is 'immersive.' You are in the midst of Jane's life (including her talking to the museum visitor in a 'hologram.')
Maybe telling you about this 'beyond great' exhibit is unfair because it has been sold out for a month, but if you contact NG they will tell you when the ticket sales will be reopened.
When they do I reccomend buying your tickets at 12:01 am.
'Becoming Jane' were beyond great. However, 'Becoming Jane' will be remembered by me forever.
And, it is the best ever museum exhibit I have ever experienced. Experienced is the correct word since this exhibit is 'immersive.' You are in the midst of Jane's life (including her talking to the museum visitor in a 'hologram.')
Maybe telling you about this 'beyond great' exhibit is unfair because it has been sold out for a month, but if you contact NG they will tell you when the ticket sales will be reopened.
When they do I reccomend buying your tickets at 12:01 am.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cvon27
Missouri89 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
The exhibition that was there on Egypt was excellent. Truly one of the best museum experiences for Egyptian history I’ve ever seen! What I was disappointed with was the lack of NatGeo specific exhibits. There is a tiny secondary gallery with some of the history of NG, but that’s all. You literally spend less than 20 min looking at NatGeo stuff after being completely blown away by the Egyptian exhibition.
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wowdogs
Klamath Falls, OR73 contributions
Nov 2022 • Business
Unlike other posts, I enjoyed this photo exhibit even though there were no artifacts to see. The photography, story line, and special effects were outstanding. I enjoyed my visit and would definitely recommend to others...
Written November 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeannie H
Shenandoah Valley23 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Don't waste your time and money on the King Tut exhibit. It contains no artifacts, and you could easily pick up a book or find a short YouTube video that would give you all the information shared there. We took the time to walk through and read everything, and that only took about 20 minutes. The rest of the National Geographic building doesn't offer much either, just a couple of photographic exhibits. Really not worth the visit.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
messier27
Fountain, CO244 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
The King Tut "immersive" exhibit has no artifacts. It has no replicas of artifacts. It has no pictures of artifacts. It was the worst museum experience I've ever had. There were a few blow ups of newspaper articles and magazine covers, and few pictures of the outside of the dig site. The "highlight" was a video with South Park quality animation of the Egyptian after death mythology. Their explanation was that, since Egypt has built its own museum for the artifacts, they won't leave the country anymore (a perfectly reasonable expectation) . But since that's the case, just don't have the exhibit. It was absolutely horrible
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CollectingChristie
Seal Beach, CA808 contributions
Jul 2022
The King Tutankhamun exhibit is AWFUL. Not a single artifact from Egypt. Essentially a wall through story-board exhibit with two rooms that offer an audio visual projection display - akin to a bad 5 min cartoon movie. There is no meaningful information here - the story boards are disjointed and fail to provide basics such as detailed maps, or even replicas of items discussed. The final room with its large A/V cartoon presentation is embarrassing. The content was made up - based on assumptions about what Egyptians thought the journey to the afterlife was - and then presented with horrible cartoon images, akin to a cheap Saturday morning CW cartoon. Don't go. Nat Geo should be embarrassed that they let this travelling road-show co-op their brand.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wildzootv
Alexandria, VA66 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
A few helpful tips that might help you when planning to visit:
- it is with in walking distance (2 blocks) of the Metro: blue and red line.
- it has two cafes: one small grab & go type and another sit down. The quality of the food at the sit down cafeteria was surprisingly good and inexpensive compared to many of the area's museum cafeterias.
-It does have a wheelchair available for use, free of charge but currently they only have one. Keep in mind that the building is not completely accessible to wheelchairs though. Some maneuvering may be needed on your part.
-A gift store is on site and has many items such as their books, magazines, clothing, stuffed animals, and jewelry for sale.
- Lastly, visit a Smithsonian instead. Honestly I was surprised that they charged admission here. For a company that has a world renown magazine and shows, the museum is lack luster and poor at best. It had very few displays and they were not very colorful or interesting to see. Save the expensive charge and see a Smithsonian for free instead. I would not recommend this museum to anyone. We were bored to tears and we even had a tour of the facility. :/ It was a huge waste of money and that's with a group discount.
- it is with in walking distance (2 blocks) of the Metro: blue and red line.
- it has two cafes: one small grab & go type and another sit down. The quality of the food at the sit down cafeteria was surprisingly good and inexpensive compared to many of the area's museum cafeterias.
-It does have a wheelchair available for use, free of charge but currently they only have one. Keep in mind that the building is not completely accessible to wheelchairs though. Some maneuvering may be needed on your part.
-A gift store is on site and has many items such as their books, magazines, clothing, stuffed animals, and jewelry for sale.
- Lastly, visit a Smithsonian instead. Honestly I was surprised that they charged admission here. For a company that has a world renown magazine and shows, the museum is lack luster and poor at best. It had very few displays and they were not very colorful or interesting to see. Save the expensive charge and see a Smithsonian for free instead. I would not recommend this museum to anyone. We were bored to tears and we even had a tour of the facility. :/ It was a huge waste of money and that's with a group discount.
Written November 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben R
Indianapolis, IN2 contributions
Sep 2014 • Family
Do not waste your money on this place. After reading other's reviews and seeing the outside of the "museum," we thought it would be a good stop on our DC trip, but calling this a museum or an attraction is not just a stretch, but completely false. There was one room open when we went which had a picture of Mars and some pictures of Dinos and a couple of sculptures, no artifacts. We were certain that could not be the whole of the exhibits, but we asked two workers who informed us that the other exhibits would open in a few weeks, but we should go check out the dinosaur outside (which we could had done for free as it is out by the street). Overall, $11/person to stand in a room for 10 minutes and look at a dinosaur sculpture which we could have done for free. Do not waste your time or money here, the Smithsonian Institute is just down the road.
Written October 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony-Susan
Washington DC, DC796 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
Of all the places in Washington, especially if you want your children to be inspired about exploring the world, this museum is a must visit. It is located away from the downtown mall, so it's best to go by Metro, getting off either at the Dupont Circle or Farragut North red line stations, or at Farragut West (blue and orange lines). I recommend getting off at Dupont Circle, the hub of Washington's professional 30 somethings set. This is a slice of Washington life many visitors miss. On the way to the museum, you may wish to peak in St. Matthew's Cathedral on Rhode Island Ave which has wonderful mosaics. The museum is only two blocks beyond there.
The museum itself offers a permanent collection, an exhibition that changes and a variety of movies and lectures. There truly is something for all ages to enjoy and learn.
If you are going mid-morning, when you leave, walk over to Connecticut Avenue to take in Washington's commercial row. From trendy restaurants to Godiva's, The Mayflower Hotel and other Washington main stays, this is again another slice of Washington many tourists miss completely.
At Farragut Square, if you are there midday, you can enjoy Washington's best kept secret: food trucks that offer gourmet meals to the scores of young professionals who pour out of their offices at lunch time to enjoy a meal in the park. This is not the tourist fare offered by the food trucks near the mall; there is a full array of international cuisine. But even if you decide not to take your meal there, enjoy the ambience. These are Washington's lobbyists, lawyers, economists...those who influence 24/7 what leaders are focusing on. They are younger than you might expect.
If you are headed elsewhere, there are two Metro stops at Farragut Square, so you have a quick escape. Or, you can take the short walk to Lafayette Square and the White House.
All in all, it's an educational and enjoyable morning, providing insights into the Rome of the contemporary world that most visitors miss.
The museum itself offers a permanent collection, an exhibition that changes and a variety of movies and lectures. There truly is something for all ages to enjoy and learn.
If you are going mid-morning, when you leave, walk over to Connecticut Avenue to take in Washington's commercial row. From trendy restaurants to Godiva's, The Mayflower Hotel and other Washington main stays, this is again another slice of Washington many tourists miss completely.
At Farragut Square, if you are there midday, you can enjoy Washington's best kept secret: food trucks that offer gourmet meals to the scores of young professionals who pour out of their offices at lunch time to enjoy a meal in the park. This is not the tourist fare offered by the food trucks near the mall; there is a full array of international cuisine. But even if you decide not to take your meal there, enjoy the ambience. These are Washington's lobbyists, lawyers, economists...those who influence 24/7 what leaders are focusing on. They are younger than you might expect.
If you are headed elsewhere, there are two Metro stops at Farragut Square, so you have a quick escape. Or, you can take the short walk to Lafayette Square and the White House.
All in all, it's an educational and enjoyable morning, providing insights into the Rome of the contemporary world that most visitors miss.
Written May 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jhenie
Hercules,CA76 contributions
May 2012 • Solo
100th year of the Titanic, lots of exhibits Samurai, photography and videos. $8 for General Admission and $6 for senior.
Great exhibits latest is Titanic props from the movie and awesome is discovery of the titanic, video stimulation. Samurai exhibit is more interesting fun the history and all.
Nice spot to check out if you're in DC
Great exhibits latest is Titanic props from the movie and awesome is discovery of the titanic, video stimulation. Samurai exhibit is more interesting fun the history and all.
Nice spot to check out if you're in DC
Written May 2, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How about parking? Is there any parking lot or garage? Or street parking?
Written January 9, 2023
No garage but lots of street parking nearby
Written January 10, 2023
Is there a security check or metal detectors? Need to know because i dont go into the city without protection for my family. I know the Smithsonian museums have them I've never been to this place
Written April 12, 2019
No there were no metal detectors.
I don't know what their policy is regarding entry with firearms.
Written April 13, 2019
How many hours would you say were needed to see this exhibit fully?
Written February 27, 2018
We watched the movie and then went through both exhibits, so we were there between 2 and 3 hours
Written March 1, 2018
Eateries nearby? Just looking for something within a short walking distance to grab a quick lunch.
Written February 3, 2018
Buy a national geographic magazine and look at pictures, which is all you do here anyway,
Written February 6, 2018
So what is famous and popular here besides Indiana Jones props and space rovers? Could someone tell me in detail please? Thanks
Written September 26, 2017
We visited the museum last month. The special exhibit was on sharks; we found that fascinating. The permanent exhibit in the other building was a historic took at the Natl. Geographic's work, photos, equipment over the years; we also found that fascinating. And of course there is a wonderful gift store with great books and more (we have 3 grandchildren to buy souvenirs for so enjoy that peruse as well. )
Written September 27, 2017
Is it necessary to purchase timed tickets in advance for this Saturday? Will two people have difficulty walking in at 10 AM?
Written September 9, 2016
It's not necessary, but it's advisable.
Written September 20, 2016
I used the Metro I don't drive, the subway(I forgot DC they call it Metro) is easy peasy to use. they have a refillable card you can put any amount of money I put 20.00 and i got everywhere fine. Parking is expensive and a nightmare.leave car at hotel. walk and take the Metro.
Written July 23, 2015
You will have a difficult time parking (there's none on site, as it's situated in a busy downtown area & not some suburban campus with ample space for parking). You're better much off walking from your hotel or taking a cab/transit.
Written July 23, 2015
The website says no coat check for bags. Is there somewhere else nearby where I can get a locker or check a bag?
Written July 21, 2015
I brought a Jansport backpack with me & didn't have any issues, save for how crowded the place is, especially now during the AMAZING Indiana Jones exhibition. If you luck out & manage to go when it's an off-peak time, maybe you won't be bumping into people left & right (you'll be carrying a tablet with you & managing an earpiece on top of dealing with your backpack, etc.
Do leave the souvenir shopping for last, though. It'll make things much easier. And the stuff is surprisingly expensive (even by NYC museum standards - I just moved out of NYC & I was shocked!)
Written July 23, 2015
Some on street but no parking lot. Walk, take the metro or connector bus.
Written July 23, 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 10
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing