National Geographic Explorers share their most memorable adventures ahead of new DC museum opening

From spending months alongside emperor penguins in Antarctica to photographing strange creatures in Ecuador’s cloud forests, National Geographic Explorers have witnessed some of the world’s most extraordinary sights.

Now, they hope a new museum here in Washington, D.C., will inspire visitors to embark on their own journeys of discovery.

The National Geographic Society rolled out its signature yellow carpet Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration, a 100,000-square-foot attraction that will officially open to the public on June 26. The immersive museum is located on the Society’s reimagined campus in downtown D.C. and is designed to bring visitors closer to the science, storytelling and exploration that have defined National Geographic for more than a century.

Director James Cameron was also among the notable guests who attended the yellow carpet celebration ahead of the museum’s opening.

Ahead of the opening, NBC Washington asked several National Geographic Explorers about the most memorable experiences of their careers and what they hope visitors will take away from the new museum.

For wildlife filmmaker and explorer Bertie Gregory, one adventure stands above the rest.

“I think my all-time best encounter was in Antarctica,” Gregory said. “We spent two months camped a mile from an emperor penguin colony and it is exciting and noisy and stinky when the wind is blowing in a certain direction, but to be alongside this animal that is so beautiful and so wild was really special.”

Gregory believes the museum’s greatest impact will be the inspiration it sparks in future generations.

“I think this museum is such an incredible celebration of exploration that National Geographic explorers have done to date, but what I’m most excited about is what that place is going to inspire,” he said. “Kids, passersby and just anyone who goes in this building is going to come out feeling really, really stoked.”

“I’m excited to see how this place evolves because it’s going to be constantly changing.”

Explorer and photographer Anand Varma recalled a trip to Ecuador that introduced him to some of the strangest creatures he has ever encountered.

“One of the most memorable is a place on an island in Ecuador, a rainforest called a cloud forest with some of the craziest bugs I’ve ever seen in my life,” Varma said.

Among the wildlife he encountered were metallic purple click beetles, hummingbirds with tails several times longer than their bodies and horned frogs.

“Just the weirdest animals I’ve ever seen,” he said.

Varma hopes museum visitors leave with a renewed sense of curiosity.

“I hope visitors will feel a sense of wonder that makes them curious about all the secrets the world has left to share.”

For explorer and astrophotographer Babak Tafreshi, some of his most memorable experiences happened much closer to home.

“The U.S. National Parks, especially in Utah or Grand Teton in Wyoming, including Yosemite, were some of my most memorable experiences,” Tafreshi said.

As a photographer, he hopes visitors will appreciate the many elements that come together to tell a powerful story.

“Photography in general is based on four pillars — art, technique, moment and story,” he said. “The combination of all four is quite abundant in this museum.”

The Museum of Exploration features immersive exhibits that transport visitors into real-world expeditions and scientific discoveries. Its inaugural marquee exhibition, “Photo Ark: Animals of Earth,” showcases the work of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore and his ongoing effort to document species around the globe. The museum will also feature educational experiences, dining options and an outdoor nighttime attraction.