The World is Within Reach: National Geographic Museum of Exploration Debuts the Jack and Laura Dangermond | Esri Geoverse
Experience the vital connection between geography and technology in this breathtaking immersive theater opening June 26, 2026
Photo Credit: Photo by Rebecca Hale/National Geographic
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 21, 2026) — Today, the National Geographic Society announced the debut of the Jack and Laura Dangermond | Esri Geoverse experience at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, opening June 26, 2026. In this cutting-edge theater, visitors of all ages can explore diverse landscapes and learn about the fieldwork of National Geographic Explorers through a series of rotating shows. The Geoverse is a capstone of the National Geographic Learning Launchpad, powered by Cengage — a dedicated space designed to immerse school groups in the study of geography.
The Geoverse experience was developed in partnership with Moment Factory. It centers on geographic inquiry and exploring the world through the lenses of place, patterns, layers, scale and time to foster an Explorer Mindset in every visitor. The Geoverse launch features dual programming: “Geography in Action,” an experiential journey designed to inspire students and lifelong learners, and “Day in the Desert,” a family-friendly experience depicting the landscapes of the Great Victoria Desert in Australia.
Featuring breathtaking 270-degree visuals and the use of field tools like GPS tracking technology, “Geography in Action” transports visitors to the banks of Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Peru’s cloud forest with National Geographic Explorers Charles Mpofu and Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya. “A Day in the Desert” draws visitors of all ages in with a diorama-inspired interactive playscape for children to explore the Great Victoria Desert’s wildlife and plants through simple, active gameplay.
The Geoverse is the next chapter of a longstanding history between the Society, Esri and its founder, Jack Dangermond, who previously served as a Society trustee. From helping National Geographic in the 1980s bring the power of geographic information system (GIS) technology to the Cartographic Division to make better maps, to our latest collaborations using geospatial tools and technology to enhance geography education and increase our Explorers’ impact, Esri and the Society have worked together taking a geographic approach to illuminate and protect our world.
Before entering the Geoverse, visitors can answer geographic questions and explore global data sets and map layers by interacting with customized kiosks based on National Geographic MapMaker within the National Geographic Learning Launchpad. Developed in partnership with Esri, National Geographic MapMaker is the Society’s free online mapping tool that uses the latest in GIS software to connect classrooms and individuals with essential geographic information and technology for exploration and education. With this web-based 2D and 3D app, visitors can utilize maps and geospatial information to learn about Earth's interconnected human and natural systems.
The Society will publish a series of publicly available National Geographic MapMaker resources to commemorate America 250, the United States’ semiquincentennial. Through a collaboration among the Society, Esri and National Geographic Learning, these resources will enable learners to visualize American history interactively. They include new guided lessons consisting of free interactive student activities and educator guides to engage middle and high school students as they learn about America’s founding. By combining immersive experiences like the Geoverse with the Society’s vast collection of free, interactive tools like National Geographic MapMaker, learners of all ages can deepen their understanding of our interconnected world.
The Geoverse is one of many new experiences available at the Museum of Exploration, which opens June 26, 2026. Learn more at natgeo.org/museum and follow along on Instagram. Learn more about National Geographic MapMaker by visiting natgeo.org/mapmaker.
View the press kit here.
About the National Geographic Museum of Exploration
The National Geographic Museum of Exploration (MOE), opening June 26, 2026, 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. To learn more, visit natgeo.org/museum or follow us on Instagram.
About Esri
Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial technology and analytics, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions that leverage a geographic approach to solving some of the world’s most complex problems by placing them in the crucial context of location. Visit us at esri.com.