‘Photo Ark’ Exhibition to Open Nov. 5 at National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C.

Multimedia Exhibition Showcases Photographer Joel Sartore’s Project Documenting World’s Animal Species

“Photo Ark” is a multiyear National Geographic project with a simple goal — to create portraits of the world’s species before they disappear and to inspire people everywhere to care. National Geographic will showcase this important project through multiple platforms, including an exhibition that opens at the National Geographic Museum in Washington on Thursday, Nov. 5. Featuring the work of photographer, speaker, author, teacher and National Geographic Society Fellow Joel Sartore, the exhibition will be on display in the museum until April 2016.

The “Photo Ark” exhibition will highlight nearly all of the more than 5,000 images that comprise Sartore’s decade-long Photo Ark collection to date. Incredibly, that number doesn’t quite mark the project’s halfway point — Sartore estimates the completed Photo Ark will include portraits of over 12,000 species representing several different animal classes, including birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. In what will be the largest single archive of studio-quality photographs of biodiversity ever, Photo Ark continues to move toward its goal of documenting these 12,000 species in captivity, thanks in part to Sartore’s enduring relationships with many of the world’s zoos and aquariums — institutions dedicated to preserving and caring for species of all kinds.

“Photo Ark” exhibition visitors will also get a behind-the-scenes look at Sartore’s methodical process for shooting these stunning photos, oftentimes with comedic mishaps that go along with working with his occasionally temperamental “models.” Video and still portraits throughout the exhibition will capture the essence of these animals, while a cacophony of animal sounds will further bring these precious creatures to life right in downtown Washington. In addition to gripping imagery, the exhibit includes compelling stories about the dedicated people and organizations working to help these animals in an aptly named “Hall of Heroes.” Visitors will also walk through a heartbreaking gallery dedicated to some of the world’s most critically endangered and even extinct species.

Hands-on, interactive elements include video screens, a field station and photo tents that give guests the sense that they are on a shoot with Sartore. Visitors will also learn how they can help support the continuing work of the Photo Ark project as well as the National Geographic Society’s ongoing conservation efforts.

“Photo Ark will inspire millions around the world with the message that it is not too late to save some of the world’s most endangered species,” said National Geographic’s vice president of exhibitions, Kathryn Keane. “That is the power of photography — and the perfect way that National Geographic can contribute to this global challenge.”

Sartore will be at National Geographic’s Washington D.C., headquarters on Wednesday, Nov. 4, to celebrate the exhibit’s opening with a special National Geographic Live event. Attendees can preview the exhibit before it officially opens to the public the following day with special extended museum hours for ticket holders. After the evening talk on Nov. 4, Sartore will sign copies of the new “Photo Ark” book from National Geographic Books, which will be available in the National Geographic Store outside the museum. Sartore will also speak to students about the “Photo Ark” project during a student matinee at National Geographic headquarters earlier that day.

The National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., is open every day (except Dec. 25) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for National Geographic members, military, students, seniors and groups of 25 or more; $10 for children ages 5-12; and free for local school, student and youth groups (18 and under; advance reservation required). Tickets may be purchased online at www.ngmuseum.org; via telephone at (202) 857-7700; or in person at the National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th Street, N.W., between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information on group sales, call (202) 857-7281.

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit membership organization driven by a passionate belief in the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world. It funds hundreds of research and conservation projects around the globe each year. With the support of its members and donors, the Society works to inspire, illuminate and teach through scientific expeditions, award-winning journalism, education initiatives and more. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com and find the organization on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.