National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers

Ever wonder what it’s like to discover a new species, study animal behavior or learn about the important roles that technology, innovation and ingenuity play in making and documenting these discoveries?  Now audiences of all ages have the chance to experience this — what it feels like to be a National Geographic explorer — with NatGeo’s newest upcoming exhibition, National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers.  

“For more than 128 years, National Geographic has been sending its scientists, photographers and filmmakers to explore the world,” said Kathryn Keane, vice president for National Geographic Exhibitions. “We hope this exhibition will inspire a whole new generation of explorers to be more curious about the Earth—and to dare to explore it.”

Earth Explorers, a unique, hands-on exhibition, features six themed and immersive environments, each with engaging areas to explore and interactive activities to entertain and educate:

• Base Camp: Start the adventure by climbing aboard an off-road vehicle used by filmmakers and scientists in the field. The vehicle will contain video monitors showing actual footage captured by explorers in the ecosystems featured in the exhibit.

• Polar Regions: Enter an interactive Arctic cabin and learn what scientists need to survive harsh conditions while studying polar bears and other Arctic life. In the Antarctic section, guests will learn about penguins and other species native to this polar region. The polar regions area showcases the work of National Geographic Explorers including biologist and photographer Paul Nicklen and adventurer and cinematographer Sarah McNair-Landry.

• Oceans: Inside a replica deep-sea submersible, take a dive to study undersea life based on the work of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Sylvia Earle and Enric Sala. They will learn about great white sharks and their hunting habits through a dorsal-mounted camera, National Geographic’s Crittercam.

• Rain Forests: Enter a themed outdoor lab to study the diverse ecosystems and the animals living within these complex environments. The rain forests area features the work of National Geographic Explorers including conservationist and Explorer-in-Residence Michael Fay as well as photographer Michael “Nick” Nichols.

• Mountains & Caves: Climb a mountain and learn about the work of National Geographic Explorers including photographer Steve Winter, photographer Carsten Peter and environmental anthropologist Kenny Broad.

• African Savannah: Take a simulated balloon ride above the African savannah and see how ecologists use aerial surveys to study and document animal migrations. They will learn tracking methods used by scientists, and can take part in an interactive activity matching scat samples with the animals that produced them. The Savannas ecosystem includes work from National Geographic Explorers including behavioral ecologist and conservationist Joyce Poole.

National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers, presented by National Geographic in association with Global Experience Specialists (GES), opens February 10 at the National Geographic Museum and will be on display at the museum through September 2017.