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Press Release
National Geographic Society Bolsters Archival Access with Transformative $57 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Illuminate the Richness of Our Shared Human Journey
With support from Lilly Endowment Inc., “The Archives” exhibition at the Museum of Exploration and the Center for Human Histories and Cultures will foster global collaboration and expand knowledge of the Society’s world-renowned collections
Buddhist monks in a doorway of the ruins of the Bayon at Angkor.
W. E. Garrett
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 25, 2026) — Since 1888, the National Geographic Society has documented our planet’s most profound stories — capturing the beauty, complexity and shared heritage of people and cultures across every continent. Now, thanks to a historic $57 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., these vast collections of photos, films, maps and field notes will be transformed into a deeply engaging global resource. This comprehensive, multiyear initiative, which includes support for “The Archives” exhibition at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration and a new Center for Human Histories and Cultures, will illuminate and preserve the richness of our human journey and ensure that future generations inherit a more complete and inclusive record of our shared history.
"This historic gift from Lilly Endowment — the largest in the Society’s history — is transformative in every sense of the word. Our future is defined not just by new discoveries, but also by how we bring our storied past into the light with care, collaboration and purpose. Thanks to this extraordinary investment, we are turning our vast archives into a living, global resource — inviting the world to see our history more clearly so that we may shape a future of deeper understanding and shared possibility."
Beyond funding the establishment of a permanent home for the Society’s storytelling legacy within the Museum of Exploration, this grant will support the transformation of these collections into a living, collaborative platform for global engagement.
"For nearly 140 years, National Geographic has documented, curated and shared significant aspects of the world’s history and culture. Its vast
collection of photography, maps, illustrations and other documents is unrivaled. Lilly Endowment is compelled by National Geographic’s ambitious vision to make that collection more readily available to help us all learn more about our past so that we can move into the future with greater wisdom and insight and a deeper appreciation of our shared humanity."
Exciting new public activations are already planned, including collaborative exhibition projects, programming developed in collaboration with descendant communities and a high-impact storytelling grant program that will support up to 100 new National Geographic Explorers as they document human traditions across every continent.
"We are profoundly grateful for Lilly Endowment's investment in our work to illuminate human histories and cultures across the globe. This landmark commitment will empower our Special Collections team to foster curiosity and understanding, inviting millions to explore the stories of past and present, and creating a dynamic resource for scholars, researchers and descendant communities. Thanks to their shared vision and transformative support, the Society will engage and inspire the public in powerful new ways"
Following the opening of “The Archives” exhibition at the Museum of Exploration in summer 2026, the Center for Human Histories and Cultures will be established as a permanent knowledge center within the Society. Dedicated staff at the Center will strategically survey collections, collaborating with descendant communities and institutions globally to co-develop approaches to digitization, preservation and access, and to continue the Society’s commitment to enhancing our understanding of humanity's beauty and complexity through storytelling. This effort will produce a suite of content — such as exhibitions, films and live events — that interprets and lives through the collections to engage global audiences.
About The National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.
To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. While the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States on an invitational basis to support these causes, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
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