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Becoming Jane

The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall making an observation outdoors
Photo by Michael Nichols, National Geographic. Jane Goodall, 35 years after her original observations, finding great joy in watching the Gombe chimpanzees. Gombe National Park, Tanzania.

General Info

- Past Exhibition

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Explore a hands-on, transportive, multimedia exhibition celebrating the extraordinary life and work of world-renowned conservationist and ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall.

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, started as an intrepid young woman with a dream to learn about animals in Africa. Dr. Goodall traveled to what is now Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park and immersed herself by observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Her work studying the lives of chimpanzees in the wild captured the imagination of the world. Rather than seeing the animals as subjects, she came to know them as individuals with personalities and emotions—a notion once rejected by the scientific world, yet now considered revolutionary. Today, in her current role as an activist, mentor and advocate for creating a better world for all life on Earth, she inspires us all. Her story—one of fearless determination, curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge and a passionate love of the natural world—has resonated with generations of people around the globe.


Member tickets are available for reservation. Visit your Member Portal to reserve yours today. Join as a Member now to support our museums, receive free admission and special exhibition tickets, like Becoming Jane.

Becoming Jane Exhibition

Photo by Rebecca Hale, National Geographic

Becoming Jane Exhibit Opening

Photo by Taylor Mickal, National Geographic

Becoming Jane Exhibition Tent

Photo by Taylor Mickal, National Geographic

Becoming Jane Goodall Exhibition Map

Photo by Taylor Mickal, National Geographic

Becoming Jane Exhibition Reasons for Hope

Photo by Rebecca Hale, National Geographic

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Photo by Rebecca Hale, National Geographic

Photo by Taylor Mickal, National Geographic

Photo by Taylor Mickal, National Geographic

Photo by Taylor Mickal, National Geographic

Photo by Rebecca Hale, National Geographic

In this exhibition, you'll:

  • Be introduced to Dr. Goodall's extraordinary work and encounter digitally rendered chimpanzees in a multiscreen experience. 
  • Envision yourself as a scientist as you explore a life-size replica of Dr. Goodall's research tent. 
  • Be immersed in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park.
  • Hear from a hologram of Dr. Goodall as she shares her memories in Gombe and recalls her thoughts, feelings, impressions, and lessons learned while living among chimpanzees. 
  • Join Dr. Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute, and National Geographic Society, in an effort to ensure a more sustainable future for us all.
National Geographic The Jane Goodall Institute

An exhibition organized and traveled by the National Geographic Society in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute

Spanish translation is available for this exhibition. Tablets are available for free checkout at the exhibition entrance. Visitors can scan a code on each label or case to bring up Spanish translations.

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Annenberg Foundation
Major support in Los Angeles provided by the Annenberg Foundation with additional support from Bank of America, Visionary Women, and Karen and William Timberlake

Media Sponsor

Univision