The National Geographic Society, a global non-profit and leading creator of live events, experiences, and travelling exhibitions, is marking the opening of Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall, at the Cornelia T. Bailey Cultural Arts Center at South Florida PBS in Boynton Beach.
The exhibition features immersive projections, hands-on interactives and multimedia storytelling that takes visitors on a journey from Dr. Goodall’s childhood dream of Africa to Gombe National Park in Tanzania. Here, her pioneering research fundamentally changed our understanding of chimpanzees and the natural world.
Visitors can explore a recreation of Dr. Goodall’s research tentImage credit Roberto Valladares
As the venue is known for traditional immersive exhibitions, this presentation of the travelling show has been adapted to appeal to its audiences, and is built around a first-person narrative developed in direct collaboration with Dr. Goodall.
Just over a year since her passing, this exhibition continues to bring Dr. Goodall's voice and story to new audiences.
Memorable, immersive experiences
Visitors to the exhibition will encounter an unforgettable, lifelike hologram of Dr. Goodall, which shares stories from her time at Gombe.
The immersive experience includes a recreation of the Tanzanian forest, complete with virtually rendered chimpanzees, as well as a visit to Dr. Goodall’s research tent, where visitors can experience what it was like to observe and document chimpanzees in the wild.
Becoming Jane features virtually rendered chimpanzees, and the opportunity to try match a chimpanzee’s famous 'pant-hoot'.Image credit Roberto Valladares
Interactives include an augmented reality activity that lets guests test their chimpanzee communication skills, including a chance to match a chimpanzee’s famous 'pant-hoot'.
Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall shares the much-loved ethologist and activist's lasting impact, and sheds light on the scientists and conservationists continuing her work today. Visitors are invited to take action and make a personal pledge to help create a more sustainable future.
Developed and toured by the National Geographic Society in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute USA, Becoming Jane has been honoured with an American Alliance of Museums Excellence in Exhibition Award and a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in Museum Exhibit Design.
The immersive exhibition opened at South Florida PBS on 23 October 2026 and continues until 24 January 2027.
Earlier this year, the National Geographic Society opened the highly anticipated National Geographic Museum of Exploration at its global headquarters in Washington, D.C.
