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National Geographic Museum of Exploration Presents: ‘Photo Ark: Animals of Earth,’ Opening Summer 2026
National Geographic Explorer and Founder of the Photo Ark, Joel Sartore, uses the power of photography to inspire urgent action to protect the world’s at-risk species
Photo Ark: ANIMALS OF EARTH by Joel Sartore, Exhibit Rendering.
Courtesy of the National Geographic Society
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 17, 2025) – Today, the National Geographic Society announced that “Photo Ark: Animals of Earth” will be the inaugural exhibition featured in the Exhibition Gallery at the Museum of Exploration (MOE), opening in summer 2026.
Featuring images from the National Geographic Photo Ark, created and led by National Geographic Explorer Joel Sartore, “Animals of Earth” will allow visitors to immerse themselves in stunning images of animals from around the globe. Utilizing large-scale projections, captivating photographs, touch interactives and sensor-driven interactives, this thoughtfully designed experience tells an incredible story and allows visitors to interact with the species featured in the Photo Ark like never before.
“We are thrilled to announce ‘Animals of Earth’ as the first show in the Museum of Exploration’s Exhibition Gallery,” said Emily Dunham, chief campus and experiences officer at the National Geographic Society. “Utilizing innovative technologies, inspirational storytelling and highlighting decades of impactful species conservation work, we cannot wait to share Joel’s impactful photography with our future museum visitors and highlight the transformational power of turning awareness into action.”
The Photo Ark is a decades-long effort to document every species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers, using the power of photography to focus the world’s attention on the global extinction crisis. Approaching its 20th anniversary next summer, the project features striking portraits that invite viewers to connect with each animal and inspire them to take action for wildlife. In his signature style, Sartore photographs all species on black and white backgrounds without size comparisons to eliminate background distractions and allow viewers to give each animal equal attention, no matter their size. To date, Sartore has photographed more than 17,000 species, and he continues to document species and educate people of all ages to foster a real connection with Earth’s wildlife.
“For almost two decades, the Photo Ark’s mission has been to celebrate the splendor of every creature on Earth and inspire action before it’s too late,” said Sartore. “To see my life’s work featured as an inaugural immersive exhibition in the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration is truly an honor. To me, “Animals of Earth” is more than an exhibit — it’s an opportunity to use this groundbreaking interactive technology to bring visitors face to face with all of the wonderful species that I have had the pleasure to photograph from around the globe, while also serving as a testament to the species diversity on our planet that we must work together to protect.”
The Museum of Exploration’s Exhibition Gallery will illuminate the groundbreaking work of Explorers past and present, beginning with the “Animals of Earth” exhibition. This will be one of many new experiences available to visitors upon the MOE’s opening in the summer of 2026. For more updates and announcements on exhibitions and ticket sales, visit us at moe.nationalgeographic.org and follow along on Instagram.
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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.
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