Your Global Culinary Expedition Starts at Explorers Eatery in the National Geographic Museum of Exploration

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 5, 2026) – Today, the National Geographic Society announced the Explorers Eatery, a new international food hall opening at the Museum of Exploration (MOE) this summer.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 5, 2026) – Today, the National Geographic Society announced the Explorers Eatery, a new international food hall opening at the Museum of Exploration (MOE) this summer. Created as a culinary complement to the experiences at the museum, and featuring five rotating food stalls — with American, Italian, Moroccan, Peruvian and Vietnamese cuisines to start — the Explorers Eatery offers authentic and thoughtfully sourced dishes that immerse guests in the flavors of our world.

Covering nearly 11,000 square feet and seating up to 320 guests, with both indoor and outdoor seating, the eatery will offer a range of dining options, including a bakery café, casual counter service, shareable plates and a sophisticated, yet approachable, bar. In addition, sustainability was considered throughout the eatery, as it offers reusable cups, dinnerware and cutlery, and local and organically sourced ingredients. While at the Explorers Eatery, guests can relax in casual dining lounges, grab a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy the three-season outdoor patio, with each space offering its own inviting spot to unwind and enjoy.

The menus, developed in collaboration with food and beverage partner Levy — the leader in creating unforgettable dining experiences at the intersection of culture and cuisine — celebrate authentic, culturally mindful dishes while delivering a globally inspired dining experience. By bridging the gap between plate and planet, this experience will invite every guest to fuel connection and inspiration for protecting our world through the universal language of food.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to gather at The Ballard Bar — made possible with thanks to The Brendan & Helen Bechtel Foundation — named after Explorer at Large Robert (Bob) Ballard, known for discovering the hydrothermal vents, the sunken R.M.S. Titanic, the German battleship Bismarck, and numerous other contemporary and ancient shipwrecks around the world. The 15-foot wraparound center bar will offer a curated selection of classic cocktails and mocktails.

To bring together the museum’s vibrant community, the Museum of Exploration will host regular programming within the Explorers Eatery, including trivia nights, film screenings, and coffee or cocktails with an Explorer. A centrally located stage — supported by Inna and Mark Moore — will allow for Explorer talks, panels and performances. The full venue, including the patio, will also be available to rent as a one-of-a-kind backdrop for private events.

The Explorers Eatery will be open exclusively to Museum of Exploration guests. Learn more about the Explorers Eatery and other features at the Museum of Exploration by visiting moe.nationalgeographic.org, and follow along on Instagram.

Click here to view the press kit.

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The National Geographic Museum of Exploration (MOE) is a state-of-the-art public attraction located at the National Geographic Society’s reimagined campus in Washington, D.C. This sustainably-built destination is central to the Society's mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling. The museum utilizes cutting-edge, immersive technologies to transport visitors into the real-world experiences of National Geographic Explorers. The expansive, over 100,000 square-foot space features a wide array of attractions, including curated exhibitions, a nearly 400-seat theater, an eatery, an outdoor nighttime experience and a specialized immersive learning experience. Designed with accessibility at its core, the Museum of Exploration is a modern hub for discovery that seeks to spark curiosity and inspire every visitor to embrace their inner Explorer. To learn more, visit natgeo.org/moe or follow us on Instagram.

The disruptor in defining the entertainment and sports hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Levy has twice been named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and has been honored by Forbes as a Best Large Employer, Best Employer for Diversity, and Best Employer for Women. Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters and music festivals, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games. For more, visit levyrestaurants.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

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.