The National Geographic Museum of Exploration’s Courtyard Brings Earth’s Ecosystems to Life
Explore our world’s natural wonders in a reimagined courtyard featuring In the Field AR, an experience powered by EPAM, and built for immersion, interaction and inspiration
Photo Credit: Rebecca Hale/National Geographic
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 7, 2026) — Opening June 26, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration begins the journey of discovery right at its entrance. The museum’s physical courtyard features six distinct planters that celebrate our planet’s beauty and biodiversity. Life-sized sculptures and immersive soundscapes in each planter invite visitors to explore various environments, including the temperate forest, tropical forest, polar region, grassland, ocean and desert. The National Geographic Society, in collaboration with its preferred digital transformation partner EPAM, invites museum visitors and the local community to also engage with a cutting-edge augmented reality experience that brings these vital ecosystems to life, fostering a deeper appreciation for our interconnected planet.
Each ecosystem is meticulously crafted to foster curiosity, featuring bronze statues such as a Japanese giant salamander, a jaguar stalking a capybara and an emperor penguin tending to its chick. Using a new, intuitive mobile app developed in collaboration with EPAM, visitors can watch as animals appear in their native environments, rendered in breathtaking detail against the museum's backdrop. This augmented reality experience allows audiences to see how wildlife adapt to their environments and understand how healthy ecosystems benefit plants, animals and humans alike.
"The National Geographic Society has a remarkable 138-year legacy of harnessing innovative technology, content and experiences to tell inspiring stories,” said Brian Matakis, senior director of digital engagement at EPAM. “Through our collaboration, EPAM is proud to contribute its expertise to the creation of In the Field AR, further strengthening this tradition and exemplifying the impact of our strategic partnership."
Additionally, the courtyard utilizes sensory-rich elements to provide visitors of all ages opportunities to connect deeply with the world’s plants and animals. Visitors can follow wildlife tracks and animal footprints, such as those of the giant river otter or wandering albatross, while enjoying immersive nature soundscapes. With stories about a hardy tortoise, a clever octopus and much more, interpretive displays highlight the animal kingdom’s unique biodiversity and our planet’s ecosystems. Every thoughtful detail invites guests to explore the wonders of the natural world before entering the museum.
The courtyard offers a welcoming introduction to the world of discovery found within the museum’s exhibitions, including The Archives, supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., the Learning Launchpad, powered by Cengage, and the “Photo Ark: Animals of Earth” exhibition. The museum also features the Explorers Eatery and Ballard Bar, named after Explorer at Large Bob Ballard. Designed with inclusivity at its core, content throughout the museum will be available in English and Spanish, with Braille messaging in both languages available at key wayfinding points. Captioning, visual descriptions and American Sign Language (ASL) are featured in media throughout the experience to ensure that the spirit of exploration is accessible to everyone.
The daytime courtyard experience is free, while all other exhibitions at the museum are included in the ticket price. Visit natgeo.org/museum to purchase your tickets and follow along for Museum of Exploration updates on Instagram and Facebook.
Press kit with visuals available here.
About the National Geographic Museum of Exploration
The National Geographic Museum of Exploration (MOE), opening June 26, is a state-of-the-art public attraction located at the National Geographic Society’s reimagined campus in Washington, D.C. This sustainably-built destination is central to the Society's mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling. The museum utilizes cutting-edge, immersive technologies to transport visitors into the real-world experiences of National Geographic Explorers. The expansive, over 100,000 square-foot space features a wide array of attractions, including curated exhibitions, a nearly 400-seat theater, an eatery, an outdoor nighttime experience and a specialized immersive learning experience. Designed with accessibility at its core, the Museum of Exploration is a modern hub for discovery that seeks to spark curiosity and inspire every visitor to embrace their inner Explorer.
About EPAM Systems, Inc.
EPAM (NYSE: EPAM) is a global leader in AI transformation engineering and integrated consulting, serving Forbes Global 2000 companies and ambitious startups. With over thirty years of expertise in custom software, product and platform engineering, EPAM empowers organizations to become AI-Native enterprises, driving measurable value from innovation and digital investments. Recognized by industry benchmarks and leading analysts as a leader in AI, EPAM delivers globally while engaging locally, making the future real for clients, partners, and employees. We are proud to be recognized by Forbes, Glassdoor, Newsweek, Time Magazine, Great Place to Work and kununu as a Most Loved Workplace around the world. Learn more at www.epam.com and follow us on LinkedIn.