National Geographic Museum: Where the Magazine Comes to Life

In the walls of the National Geographic Museum, one of America's favorite publications comes to life. The exhibits at the National Geographic Museum change regularly, but for a few months at a time, it truly is a walk-through experience that only National Geographic, with its team of photographers, historians, writers and mapmakers, can cull together into a memorable experience.

Exhibits have included a close-up examination of the Terracotta Warriors from Xi'an, China; photography of the Great Migration of safari animals in Africa; a study of Egypt's pharoahs; past 50 years of presidential photographers and their work; up-close exhibits of underwater sea life. Currently, the exhibit is called America I Am: The African-American Imprint, which examines the influence of African-Americans over 500 years in American culture, politics, economy, and spirituality. It includes artifacts of all kinds, including Prince's guitar, Rosa Parks' fingerprint card, and Muhammad Ali's boxing robe.

Ongoing displays are part of the permanent collection, which include many photography and interactive exhibits. However, the focus and purpose of visiting is always on the changing exhibit. National Geographic always has prominent displays of the current exhibit outside, and tickets can and should be purchased ahead of time. There's a gift shop selling items related to the current exhibit.

The museum also has lectures by various speakers, special events and concerts through National Geographic Live, which brings its writers, photographers, scientists and explorers to the stage to talk about their work and the various articles to which they've contributed. The films are documentary-style, made with some of the best photography, National Geographic-style, on subjects ranging from female filmmakers to surfing to lions to Native American tribes. Concerts introduce different kinds of music from around the world, including jazz, folk and tribal music. Special events can include a photography workshop, an African dance performance, a lecture on sustainable food, or a sushi event.

HelloWashingtonDC Tip: Tickets can all be purchased online or at the museum, but buy ahead to make sure they don't sell out.

National Geographic Museum museum Washington DC