Exploration reveals that our solar system is filled with amazingly diverse places that transform our understanding of Earth and worlds beyond.

The Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery probes the science and history of our exploration of planets, moons, and other objects in our solar system. This exhibit tells the stories of the diversity of worlds circling our Sun and how exploring those worlds helps enhance our own understanding of Earth. Exploring the Planets draws on research from scientists in the Museum’s Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, who are actively involved in current planetary missions.

Learn about our donors 

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Location in Museum

National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Gallery 205
Map of the second floor of the National Air and Space Museum's Washington, D.C., building, highlighting in yellow Gallery 205 on the south side of the building, three rooms west of center
Plan Your Visit

Take a Look Inside the Gallery

A view of the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery. The overwhelming color of the gallery is purple. There is a model of a solar system hanging from the ceiling, with signage on the walls.

The entrance to the gallery.

A view of the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery. Th overwhelming colors are purple and orange. A model of the asteroid belt dots the floor. Pictures of space things line the walls.

A view from inside Exploring the Planets.

Preview the exhibit with a teaser video ...

... or take a step inside!

Take a virtual tour of the exhibit
Our Solar System Lunar Rocks

In this Exhibit

Voyager Spacecraft

Object

Photomosaic Globe of Mars

Object

Model, Mars Science Laboratory, Mars Rover Curiosity

Object

Stardust Capsule

Object

Rover, Marie Curie, Mars Pathfinder, Engineering Test Vehicle

Object

Ear Tips, Spock, Leonard Nimoy, Star Trek

Object
See more objects in this exhibit
Why Earth? Looking for Life on Other Worlds 4 Ways We Have Explored Our Planets Probing Hostile Planets Exploring the Red Planet with Robots How the Rocky Planets Got Their Shapes

Tour the Planets in Our Solar System from the Outside In

A large dark blue disc.

Neptune

The Blue Giant

Uranus and Its Rings

Uranus

The Tilted Giant

Saturn, a yellow gas planet with large rings surrounding the sphere, as seen via disc view

Saturn

The Ringed Giant

A circular planet with bands of color.

Jupiter

A Giant Among Giants

Southern Spring on Mars

Mars

The Red Planet

A complete circle with swirling clouds above landmasses, the Earth is seen from above.

Earth

The Blue Planet & Our Home

An orange circle whose surface looks like it is made of lava.

Venus

The Hottest Planet in Our Solar System

Photomosaic of Mercury- Outbound View

Mercury

The Swift Planet

The Museum gratefully acknowledges those who have generously supported this gallery.

Ken Griffin

Museum Transformation

Be the Spark

A major renovation is underway as we reimagine our galleries and presentation spaces in our iconic National Mall building in Washington, DC. Join us as we inspire a new generation of pioneers and explorers.

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