Making the MOE: Explore the World in our Back (Court)yard 

The good thing is that you’re never too old for exploring — and there’s no better place to rediscover what you love this summer than the Courtyard at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration (MOE), a free space open to the public during the day just a few blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C.

Here, you’ll be able to experience the world’s unique biodiversity through a series of planters spotlighting six of the world’s unique environments and the animals that call them home.

Meet the Ecosystems

The planet is home to a wide range of environments, whether it’s wintery tundras or tropical forests that feel like saunas. In each of those environments, wildlife is perfectly adapted to live in their respective ecosystems because the environment depends on their survival to thrive. Plants, wildlife and humans coexisting all benefit from healthy ecosystems all over the world.

So, you might be wondering, what environments will you be able to explore in the Courtyard? Here’s a sneak peek of how we are using sculptures, custom artwork and sustainable planting to bring these ecosystems to life.

Temperate Forest: As you explore the temperate forest, you’ll be able to “meet” a Japanese giant salamander, see the footprints of a Japanese macaque, also known as an Old World monkey, and interact with a sculpture of three cicadas on a tree branch — just in time for summer.

Tropical Forest: Although this is also a forest, the tropical forest could not be more different. Travel across the world to observe how a jaguar stalks a capybara. Plus, a wattled jacana perches itself atop the capybara as it hunts for parasites in its fur. You’ll also be able to discover the footprints of a giant river otter and touch a Surinam horned frog sculpture.

Polar: This is going to be a fan-favorite for everyone who loves cold weather. “Meet” an adult emperor penguin with a chick, observe footprints of a wandering albatross and pat the nose and face of a Weddell seal sculpture — just be sure to be gentle!

Grasslands: If you’ve been toying around with the idea of an African safari summer trip, come get a preview of what’s to come in the grassland. Here, you’ll “watch” as a spotted hyena and a white-backed vulture fight over the carcass of a blue wildebeest. Plus, you’ll be able to see footprints from a wildebeest and interact with the honeycomb sculpture.

Ocean: If you’ve been wanting to “play mermaids” this summer, take a dive to see an octopus holding a shell, impressions of a sand sea star and a touchable sculpture of a remora, or a suckerfish.

Desert: Soak in the summer heat in the Sonoran desert, where you’ll “meet” a desert tortoise and a tightly-coiled sidewinder, as well as see the footprints of a roadrunner.

The Team Behind It All

The Museum of Exploration is a testament to the collaborative spirit at the heart of the National Geographic Society’s mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. We’re excited to share that wonder with you at every step in the museum, starting with our clay sculptures cast in bronze and plants native to the local area right in the Courtyard.

The team reviewed all of the many ecosystems in the world, working closely with National Geographic Explorers, staff, scientists and other experts to select the content that best represents the world's biological diversity and review the creation of the Courtyard as it progressed. Explorers and experts even provided detailed feedback on animals, including minuscule details like the shape of their eyes, texture of their feathers, or their pose.

Natalia Mayo, the project manager for the Courtyard, said that “members of our team mimicked the animals’ movements and behavior to best understand how to design the sculptures. Imagine what a sight to see that was!”

As for Natalia’s favorite sculpture? “Honestly, it's so hard to just choose one! I would have to say the white-backed vulture is my favorite. The amount of detail on the sculpture is phenomenal, especially on the feathers. The Grasslands ecosystem is portrayed so well — with the vulture and spotted hyena fighting over the same blue wildebeest carcass, you can feel the drama.”

Exploring Mother Nature’s Backyard

When you come to visit the MOE, you’ll be able to level up your exploring in the Courtyard with our free augmented reality experience, Into the Field AR, powered by EPAM, that will help you embrace the Explorer mindset while you “meet” the 20 unique creatures that call these six ecosystems home. 

But, in the meantime, if you are looking to bring a bit more exploring into your everyday life, our team has curated a few of their favorite “go explore outside” activities to add to your summer bucket list.

• Go on a color walk — This doubles as exploring and mindfulness, which is an incredible combination. As you are walking around your neighborhood, traveling or are hiking, pick a color to notice as you walk. That’s it! If you want to level it up a bit, try taking photos of all the ways you see the color on your phone or camera.
• Pick “something” to explore all summer long — Sometimes, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by all the different places, topics and more that you can explore. So, pick one topic and explore all you can about it over the summer. For example, visit every local coffee shop in your neighborhood. Or, make it a mission to have a picnic in every local park. Not only is it a great way to connect with your community, you might find a new favorite topic or place by the end of it!
• Create your “exploring bag” — If you are trying to “unplug” more this summer, create a bag that features tools and activities that you’ve been meaning to try more, like a summer read, your sketchbook or a disposable camera, for example. Try taking it with you every time you leave the house for the day.
• Visit your local state park or national park — We love exploring the wonder of our world over here! Go take in the beauty of nature during summertime with a hike, swim or picnic. Just remember to hike responsibly, respect the animals and creatures that call the park home, and always leave it better than you found it!

Go Into the Field at the MOE

Our Explorers are leading conservation efforts every day to protect the animals and environments you’ll see at the Courtyard starting this summer.

The world is a beautiful place filled with an array of plant and animal life that is special and deserves to be protected.

We can’t wait to welcome you to explore more at the Museum of Exploration starting June 26.