A lot comes to mind when the name “National Geographic” is said. For starters, how about the magazine? Or perhaps the channel, full of interesting shows such as “Locked Up Abroad” or “The Dog Whisperer.” Many, however, wouldn’t even think of the National Geographic Museum, located right here in D.C.
To be honest, I didn’t even know this museum existed until my roommate woke me up one afriend. My roommate happens to have a special bond with the society, as her mother works for them back home in Italy. Lucky for me, she is always up to date on their latest exhibits and events.
Located just a few blocks from Farragut North Metro stop, the museum doesn’t evoke as grandiose an image as one would expect. In fact, I would not have even known it was the museum had it not been for the banners outside. As with most museums in D.C., entrance is free (though some exhibit viewings cost a small fee). A $5 photo booth and front desk greet you as you walk in, and the museum shop is friendly and open to the right. Walk down a few intimidating halls lined with elevators and to your left is an exhibit room.
Though I have never considered myself a huge fan of photography art, the exhibit awaiting me was anything but boring. This gallery hosts “Lions and Leopards,” a photography and short film display by the husband-and-wife team of Dereck and Beverly Joubert. While the pair has long been known for their fascination with these large felines, this exhibit has been hailed as one of their best. Stunning color and black and white photographs line the walls, while TVs are scattered throughout showing short films. One of the first photographs seen when entering is a night-vision photograph of an elephant as the subject of prey. To help educate visitors about the declining lion population in Kenya, the museum has information spread throughout the museum.
“I need to go out for a smoke,” my roommate told me.
“Alright,” I said, “I’ll be here looking and taking it all in.” After about 10 minutes (much too long for one cigarette), I got a bit worried. So naturally, I stepped through the door I had seen her walk through minutes prior. A courtyard awaited me, as did my roommate. She was looking around. Being National Geographic, you can assume that the courtyard had something to do with nature. All along the courtyard were large photographs of subjects ranging from mole rats to balloons. Beautiful may have been a word to describe it. I glanced to my left and there was another door, leading to yet another gallery. We decided to check it out.
Behind those doors was an exhibit titled “Polar Obsession.” Photographer Paul Nicklen showed us the world of the Arctic, and with interesting perspectives at that. Though my description would fail to do the exhibit any justice, I will nonetheless attempt. Once a biologist, Nicklen captured the wildlife of this far away region with the utmost creativity. With underwater and aerial views to name a few, the ways in which we are brought into this polar world are astounding. Try finding another photographer willing to take a picture less than two feet away from a leopard seal with its jaws open.
The museum is often updating exhibits and activities. Lucky for us, a new exhibit is being opened in November. The museum will host “Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor,” containing, you guessed it, Terra Cotta Warriors. These warriors were discovered during an archaeological dig outside the Chinese city of Qin Shihuangdi in 1974. Nationalgeographic.com glorifies it, describing the exhibit as “the most significant artifacts from China ever to travel to the United States.” Entrance will be around $12 and will be well worth the small fee.
With so much going on at this museum, it boggles my mind that I had never heard of it prior to this visit. I plan on making many trips there, and I hope that you plan on doing the same. Being so accessible and intriguing, I can’t imagine it won’t be worth your while.
