A National Geographic exhibition about Jane Goodall opens Friday, Oct. 23, at the South Florida PBS studios on South Congress Avenue in Boynton Beach. It includes a life-size hologram of the primatologist, a walk-in replica of her research tent and a projected version of the Tanzanian forest where she studied wild chimpanzees. Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall stays through Sunday, Jan. 24, 2027.

The exhibition was organized and is traveled by the National Geographic Society in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, the conservation group Goodall founded. In Boynton Beach it shares the building with The Moonwalkers, the Tom Hanks narrated immersive show about the Apollo missions that opened there in September. Through January, both exhibitions run side by side at the same address, each with its own ticket.

What is inside

National Geographic lists the show as a large interactive exhibition that needs about 5,000 square feet. Visitors start with Goodall's early years, told through photographs and a multiscreen presentation, then move into a curved projection of Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, where she carried out her research on chimpanzee behavior.

From there the route covers:

  • The hologram. A life-size, hologram-style projection of Goodall talks about memories and lessons from her life.
  • The research tent. A recreation of her field tent, where visitors can picture themselves as a scientist logging observations in a field journal.
  • The chimpanzees. Interactive stations built around how chimps behave and communicate.
  • Her later work. Sections on her role in community-centered conservation and youth programs, and pledge stations where visitors decide on something they can do themselves.

National Geographic says the American Alliance of Museums named it an overall award winner in June 2020, and the Themed Entertainment Association gave it a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in museum exhibit design in the limited budget category.

South Florida PBS describes a visit as about 75 minutes and says the exhibition suits all ages.

Why a TV station is hosting it

South Florida PBS, the public broadcaster behind WPBT and WXEL, has been turning its Boynton Beach studios into an exhibition space under the name South Florida PBS Immersive. According to the station, its earlier Da Vinci exhibition drew more than 40,000 visitors and 4,200 students, and it followed that with an Egyptian pharaohs experience. The station pairs each show with classroom material, offers free field trips for Title I schools and discounted student admission for public schools.

The station also says that anyone facing financial hardship who wants to attend can email its immersive team, and it will try to make room case by case as capacity allows.

The moon show next door

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks opened at the same studios on Thursday, Sept. 24, and runs through Tuesday, March 30, 2027. Hanks narrates the 55-minute, 360-degree film, which uses restored NASA footage of the Saturn V launch and the moon landings and includes new interviews between Hanks and the astronauts of NASA's Artemis II mission. The music was recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. After the film, visitors can talk with a holographic astronaut and stand next to a full-size replica of the Eagle lunar module. The station suggests budgeting about 40 extra minutes for the exhibits.

Families with small children have a third option this weekend. On Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 to 11 a.m., South Florida PBS hosts Mission: Moon!, a KidVision morning led by Miss Penny with space-themed crafts, activities and a viewing of The Moonwalkers. Tickets are sold through the station's Eventbrite page.

Plan your visit

  • Where: South Florida PBS, 3401 S. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, FL 33426. Parking is free.
  • Becoming Jane: Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, through Sunday, Jan. 24, 2027. Tuesday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.
  • The Moonwalkers: through Tuesday, March 30, 2027. Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays.
  • Tickets (each show): $45 general; $38 seniors, students, military and first responders; $22 children ages 3 to 12; $40 per person for groups of 10 or more.
  • Questions: 561-274-8309 or [email protected].

Tickets for both exhibitions are on the South Florida PBS website.

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