Live Butterfly Experience at the Gardens

This summer, the Butterfly Experience welcomes visitors near and far to immerse themselves into the winged world of butterflies inside the Botanical Gardens’ historic conservatory. For the first time in its 125-year history, visitors will be able to get up close and personal with a flock of live butterflies, flying high, low, here and there. The experience allows the public to be surrounded by hundreds of butterflies that are native to the continental United States to capture the beauty and magic of the butterflies while also learning about the important role that pollinators play in their ecosystems.

Hundreds of bold and brightly colored butterflies will fly through the exhibit with various species like swallowtails, monarchs, painted ladies, red admirals, and many more. The 1200 square foot Tropical Orchard greenhouse will be home to the butterflies as well as dozens of fruit-producing and nectar rich plants and flowers for them to feed on. The space will also feature a pupa display, known as an emergence case, that gives visitors an inside look at the beginning of their journey at the Botanical Gardens. Here, visitors will have to chance to see the butterflies emerge from their chrysalides as they make their way into their home.