Starting November 19, 2009, the National Geographic Society will welcome some of China’s famous terra-cotta warriors to its Washington, DC headquarters. Sculpted more than 2,000 years ago, but only recently discovered in 1974, thousands of the life-sized figures were placed around the tomb of China’s first emperor to accompany him into the afterlife. More than 100 artifacts from the site, including warriors, horses, and weapons, will be on display at the Society’s Museum at Explorer’s Hall through March, 2010, and will be the largest exhibit of its kind ever to travel to the United States. While you’re there, you can see the museum’s other exhibits that showcase National Geographic’s 120 year history of exploration, education, and conservation – not to mention their world-famous photography.

Founded in 1888 by a group that included Alexander Graham Bell, the Society also has presentations by explorers, scientists, photographers, film-makers, and artists inside their Grosvenor Auditorium – which is where Alex Trebek hosts the National Geographic Bee every May. You might even run into one of their “Explorer’s-in-Residence,” like famed oceanographer Sylvia Earle, Pulitzer-prize winning author Jared Diamond, or Titanic discoverer Robert Ballard. Books, videos, educational toys and more are on sale at the on-site store; and don’t forget to have a picture taken with you on the cover of their iconic, yellow-bordered National Geographic Magazine. The location at 17th and M streets is a short walk from the White House, and information about the museum and other upcoming events can be found at www.nationalgeographic.com.