Find Your 2026 Inspiration at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration

This year, that legacy will officially turn 138 years old as we celebrate our anniversary on January 13. When the National Geographic Society was founded in 1888, 33 prominent scholars and scientists sought out to establish an organization dedicated to the “the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge.” As we prepare to open the new museum this summer, we are proud to carry on that mission in our reimagined space dedicated to unlocking the explorer in everyone.

The new year is typically full of big goals, resolutions and visions that we are all working to turn into reality. One of National Geographic's 2026 goals is opening a brand new museum in D.C. You might have a few resolutions yourself.

We’ve found that the best way to achieve those goals and visions is not just to have a plan looking forward, but to also take time to look back, reflect and grow from what we’ve learned.

We can’t think of anyone better to learn from in doing the impossible and making visions reality than our National Geographic Explorers. For the past 138 years, our Explorers have continued our mission and expanded it by pushing the boundaries of knowledge, uncovering new insights about the natural and cultural worlds, and strengthening our connection to them and one another.

Here are some of the lessons we are bringing with us into this exciting new year brought to you by our incredible Explorers, all featured in the museum. We hope this gives you some inspiration as you celebrate how far you’ve come and get ready to take on the new year.

2026 Resolutions, brought to you by National Geographic Explorers

Explore a New Place

We can't wait for you to check this resolution off your list at the MOE this summer. But, if you need some more inspiration for the rest of the year, look no further than Barbara and Bradford Washburn, legendary cartographers and mountaineers who knew the power of exploration best. For decades, the Washburns traveled the world, summiting mountains and descending into canyons, using their firsthand experience to create maps. Their adventures in Mount McKinley (Denali), Mount Everest and the Grand Canyon led to beautiful maps of these iconic natural wonders.

It took the Washburns 144 working days on site, 712 helicopter landings and 92 survey stations to chart the canyon to then create this historic map — that is almost 40% of the year!

Want a challenge? Find a moment of exploration in more than 40% of your days this year, even if it's just your local park, coffee shops and more.

Invest in Your Community

Visiting the Museum of Exploration is the perfect activity for your friends and family, and David Doubilet and Eugenie Clark, both featured in the museum, are a testament to the power of friendship and collaboration. Doubilet, an underwater photographer, and Clark, a renowned fish scientist known as the “Shark Lady," frequently collaborated to bring spectacular stories about the sea to life.

Doubilet's first National Geographic magazine story in 1972 was about garden eels in the Red Sea, which he was able to bring to life through his partnership with Clark. From there, the pair continued to go on assignment to capture the wonder of the sea, from the Pacific Ocean to Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

Want a challenge? Collaborate on a new project with a friend, whether that be a daydream-turned-reality, apartment café or a craft night together.

Do Something That Challenges You

Visiting the MOE feels like an easy decision, but it's important to do one thing that challenges you this year to build resilience and improve problem-solving skills — plus, you'll be so proud of your accomplishment!

Harold “Doc” Edgerton and Luis Marden, featured in the museum, know how to take on challenges. Intrigued by the underwater world, Marden, a photographer for the National Geographic Society, wanted to document and share its wonders, but knew that the "documenting" part was going to be a challenge. He collaborated with inventor Edgerton to solve this problem, and they created a truly functional, purpose-built underwater camera. Their spectacular photos unveiled the wonder of our oceans to readers everywhere.

Want a challenge? Commit to doing the thing you've been putting off, whether that be taking a beginner's dance class, learning a new language or revisiting a past hobby.

There’s more where that came from — coming soon! Make sure to learn more from these Explorers and so many others featured in the new Museum of Exploration starting summer 2026. Explore what's to come at your new home for discovery at [moe.nationalgeographic.org/whats-on].