In a striking push toward revitalizing Washington, DC’s cultural and economic core, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined National Geographic officials for a hard hat tour of the upcoming Museum of Exploration, a vibrant 100,000-square-foot venue set to open in mid-2026. Positioned as a fresh, family-friendly crown jewel in Downtown DC, the museum echoes the city’s bold “Grow DC” plan—inviting visitors, boosting business, and lighting up the district’s entertainment economy with the timeless spark of adventure and discovery.

 

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• What: Hard hat tour of the upcoming National Geographic Museum of Exploration

• Where: 1145 17th Street NW, Downtown Washington, DC

• When: Monday, July 21 at 11 a.m. (Press arrival at 10 a.m.)

• Who Attended:

  • Mayor Muriel Bowser

  • Nina Albert (Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development)

  • Darien Wright (CFO & COO, National Geographic Society)

  • Emily Dunham (Chief Campus and Experiences Officer, National Geographic Society)

  • Leona Agouridis (President, Golden Triangle BID)

• Opening Timeline: Mid-2026

• Purpose: Drive tourism, enhance family attractions, support Mayor Bowser’s “Grow DC” economic vision

• Viewing Options: Live stream available at mayor.dc.gov/live and on DCN Channel 16

In a move reflecting the city’s deeper investment in cultural and economic revival, Mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday, July 21, joined officials from the National Geographic Society for a hard hat tour of the future Museum of Exploration, a 100,000-square-foot cultural hub currently under construction in Downtown Washington, DC.

Set to open its doors in mid-2026, the museum aims to serve as a magnet for families, students, and explorers of all ages. Positioned as a landmark destination in the Golden Triangle area, the project is a bold attempt to reinvigorate the city’s entertainment economy and attract both local and global visitors.

The museum, nestled at 1145 17th Street NW, is being built on the site of the former National Geographic museum space. It promises interactive exhibits, immersive storytelling, and educational programming aligned with National Geographic’s century-long legacy in exploration and science communication.

Speaking at the site amidst the backdrop of steel frames and scaffolding, Mayor Bowser emphasized the museum’s role in shaping the city’s economic trajectory.

“This museum will bring people back to our downtown,” Bowser said. “It’s an exciting project that supports our mission to grow DC’s economy, create more jobs, and give families new experiences to enjoy right in the heart of our city.”

The tour was attended by several key figures behind the city’s development and planning. Among them was Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, who described the project as a “milestone for the cultural fabric of DC.”

“We’re leaning into our strengths — history, education, and storytelling — while building a stronger and more resilient downtown economy,” Albert said.

From National Geographic’s side, Darien Wright, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, and Emily Dunham, Chief Campus and Experiences Officer, walked the delegation through the ongoing construction, sharing insights into what the final space will offer.

“We’re building something that honors our legacy and speaks to the curiosity of future generations,” said Dunham. “This will be more than a museum. It will be a living space for discovery.”

Also joining the tour was Leona Agouridis, President of the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, who has long advocated for increased public engagement in the area.

“A project of this magnitude not only attracts foot traffic but also activates local businesses, restaurants, and cultural institutions,” she said.

The hard hat tour served both as a project update and a symbol of optimism. As cranes moved overhead and workers adjusted steel beams, officials reflected on how this initiative ties into the larger goals outlined in Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget — “Grow DC.” The budget places heavy emphasis on tourism recovery, small business support, and urban reactivation.

Construction of the site is being carried out under strict safety protocols. Members of the press and other attendees were required to wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hats and safety glasses. Cameras were restricted in certain active zones of the site. Appropriate attire — long pants and flat, closed-toe shoes — was mandatory.

The press event began at 11 a.m., with an early call for media at 10 a.m. The closest Metro access was Farragut North, and Capital Bikeshare services were also available nearby at 17th Street and Rhode Island Avenue NW.

For those unable to attend in person, the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment provided a live feed of the post-tour press availability. Coverage was broadcast on Channel 16 (DCN) and streamed on mayor.dc.gov/live, as well as across the Mayor’s official Facebook and X platforms.

With eyes set on mid-2026, the Museum of Exploration signals not just the construction of a building, but a commitment to exploration, education, and economic revitalization in the post-pandemic capital.

As Washington, DC prepares to turn the page on its next cultural chapter, the Museum of Exploration stands as a bold symbol of ambition, revival, and imagination. With Mayor Bowser’s visit underscoring the project’s significance, National Geographic’s vision promises more than just a building—it offers a space where education, entertainment, and economic growth meet. As construction advances, the city edges closer to unveiling a destination designed to inspire wonder, welcome the world, and breathe new life into the heart of the capital.

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