Come face-to-face with exotic, vibrant butterflies fluttering atop a lush tropical canvas of foliage and flowers as you experience the Butterfly Rainforest, the Florida Museum of Natural History's newest permanent exhibit. The screened vivarium houses subtropical and tropical plants and trees to support 55 to 65 different species and hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Guests can stroll through the Butterfly Rainforest on a winding path and relax to the sounds of cascading waterfalls year-round.
There are live butterfly releases on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., weather permitting.
Inside, the McGuire Center public exhibits gallery showcases the "Wall of Wings," which captures the eye with thousands of preserved and photographed butterfly and moth specimens. The wall is a stunning tribute to the research and collections mission of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity. Also, for the first time at the Florida Museum, visitors will be able to get a close-up view of scientists at work in the world's largest research facility devoted to Lepidoptera.
NEW! Butterfly-friendly Plants Now Offered for Sale on Weekends
Interested in attracting butterflies to your property? Find out what species you can attract and which
butterfly-friendly plants are proven winners! Native, nectar, host and accent plants are available
for purchase at the Museum on Saturdays and Sundays, with proceeds benefiting the Butterfly Rainforest. Learn More...
African butterflies are making a transatlantic debut in the Butterfly Rainforest to complement the "Inside Africa" traveling exhibit, which opens March 15 and runs through Sept. 7. An added bonus? Your entry ticket helps conserve coastal forestland in Kenya. Learn more...
Sept. 5, 2008 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Museum will be closed until 2 p.m. for a private function. Please plan your trip accordingly.
Sept. 6, 2008 2 p.m.
Visitors to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit will have the opportunity to listen to a short talk and view live butterfly releases, weather permitting.
Sept. 6, 2008 3 p.m.
Visitors to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit will have the opportunity to listen to a short talk and view live butterfly releases, weather permitting.
Sept. 6, 2008 4 p.m.
Visitors to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit will have the opportunity to listen to a short talk and view live butterfly releases, weather permitting.
Sept. 7, 2008 2 p.m.
Visitors to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit will have the opportunity to listen to a short talk and view live butterfly releases, weather permitting.
Sept. 7, 2008 3 p.m.
Visitors to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit will have the opportunity to listen to a short talk and view live butterfly releases, weather permitting.
Sept. 7, 2008 4 p.m.
Visitors to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit will have the opportunity to listen to a short talk and view live butterfly releases, weather permitting.
Sept. 11, 2008 6 p.m.
Potluck and speaker: Dr. Charles Covell, lepidopterist from the McGuire Center at the Florida Museum, will speak on, "Paper Wings: Butterflies and Moths on Stamps" at a meeting of the North American Butterfly Association, North Central Florida Chapter. Free. Public welcome.
Bring a friend and a dish to share. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. (arrive a few minutes early to check in at front desk). Dr. Covell's presentation immediately follows dinner.