diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
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+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,5 +1,16 @@
 # ◈ The Nexus — Timmy's Sovereign Home
 
+![The Nexus Banner](https://via.placeholder.com/1200x200?text=The+Nexus+Banner+-+Replace+This+Image)
+<!-- TODO: Replace the placeholder image URL with an actual banner image for The Nexus. -->
+
+## Staging Environment
+
+[**🚀 The Nexus Staging Environment**](http://staging.the-nexus.com)
+<!-- TODO: Update the staging environment URL to the actual URL once available. -->
+
+[![Staging Status](https://img.shields.io/badge/Staging-Unknown-lightgrey)](http://staging.the-nexus.com)
+<!-- TODO: Integrate a CI/CD pipeline to update this badge with the real status from a smoke test. The badge URL should point to the build status image generated by the CI/CD system. -->
+
 A Three.js environment serving as Timmy's sovereign space — like Dr. Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum, existing outside time. The Nexus is the central hub from which all worlds are accessed through portals.
 
 ## Features
@@ -50,4 +61,4 @@ npx serve . -l 3000
 
 ---
 
-*Part of [The Timmy Foundation](http://143.198.27.163:3000/Timmy_Foundation)*
+*Part of [The Timmy Foundation](http://143.198.27.163:3000/Timmy_Foundation)*
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