The National Geographic Society, a global non-profit and leading creator of live events, experiences, and travelling exhibitions, is celebrating the opening of Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, US.
Produced in collaboration with the National Geographic Society and the Jane Goodall Institute, the multimedia exhibition honours the work of Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace.
At the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the exhibition will be accompanied by a film about Goodall at the Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater, the world’s first LED digital dome of its size in a museum.
See also: Fort Worth’s revamped Omni Theater: a new era in immersive edutainment
Inspiring audiences worldwide
Becoming Jane explores Goodall’s life, from her early dreams to learn about animals in Africa to becoming established as a renowned scientist in Gombe, Tanzania, and her current role as an activist, mentor and advocate for creating a better world for all life on Earth.
Goodall is renowned for her innovative approach to animal behaviour research, and her work studying the lives of chimpanzees in the wild has inspired people around the world.
Instead of treating the animals as subjects, she spent time in Tanzania in their natural environment and got to know each chimpanzee as an individual with a personality and emotions. While once rejected by the scientific community, this approach is now considered revolutionary.
Emily Dunham, chief campus and experiences officer at the National Geographic Society, says: “Dr. Goodall has made tremendous strides in understanding wildlife in Africa and this exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to learn about her innovative research techniques and passion for nature.
“From reading her hand-written notes to exploring memories from her childhood to a life-sized hologram of Dr. Goodall, visitors young and old will experience her legacy and powerful message of hope firsthand.”
Visitors to the exhibition are introduced to Goodall’s work (and virtually rendered chimpanzees) in a multiscreen experience.
A hands-on activity, set in a replica of Goodall’s research tent, is one of the exhibition highlights and allows guests to experience working as a scientist. A hologram-like projection of the scientist will share her recollections of living with the chimpanzees.
Visitors can also enjoy AR activities, such as trying to match a chimpanzee’s pant-hoot vocalisation, among other exhibits.
Furthermore, the exhibition shares information on the Gombe Stream National Park and the chimpanzee range in Africa today, and the work of the scientists and conservationists following in Goodall’s footsteps.
A call to action, which asks visitors to join Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute, and National Geographic to work towards a more sustainable future, is accompanied by a pledge station where visitors can share the actions that they will take.
The National Geographic Society has limited availability for Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall in 2026. To enquire about hosting the exhibition, please email.
Last month, The National Geographic Society recognised International Museum Day, an annual event organised by ICOM, the International Council of Museums, to raise awareness that “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.”
