After taking 2020 off due to the pandemic, the Butterfly Conservatory will return to the AMNH on November 20 to celebrate its 23rd year at the museum. (First heard through Patch).
One of the most popular exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History, The Butterfly Conservatory houses over 500 butterflies that come from more than 100 different species. These include the cruiser, julia, longwing, owl and paperkite, originating from countries including Thailand, Brazil, Kenya and Australia.
photo by Si B via Flickr
The Butterfly Conservatory teaches visitors about the butterfly life cycles, their lives and their impact on the environment.
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Visitors have the opportunity to walk through a 1,200 square foot vivarium where the butterflies are housed. The space is filled with tropical plants and flowers that are almost as beautiful as the exhibit’s inhabitants. The vivarium, complete with halide lamps to mimic sunshine, is meant to be reminiscent of a rain forest, and is even set to 80 degrees.
For visitors who prefer a less immersive experience, they can travel down the hallway outside of the vivarium and get an outside view of the people, plants and butterflies through transparent walls. The hallway also features educational illustrations like videos and displays about the protection of butterflies and the many species that can be found throughout New York.
To learn more and to reserve tickets, visit amnh.org/exhibitions/butterflies.
