Rolex Explorers Landing Opens at Revamped National Geographic Museum

After a four-year, $300 million renovation, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington D.C. reopened on June 26. The 100,000-square-foot space, designed by Hickok Cole and OLIN, features a 400-seat theater and a 270-degree 'Geoverse' screen. On the second floor, the Rolex Explorers Landing presents four thematic zones—Spark, Trek, Purpose, Impact—with artifacts including Jacques Cousteau's soucoupe saucer, Dr. Sylvia Earle's JIM diving suit, and the Explorer II gondola. Rolex contributed $100 million to the transformation and has partnered with National Geographic for 70 years. The brand also supports the Perpetual Planet Initiative and the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year award, this year given to Indian conservationist Krithi K. Karanth. Arnaud Boetsch, Director of Communication and Image at Rolex SA, emphasized the power of making exploration tangible for visitors.