Butterflies are Blooming: The Beauty of Flight 

March 1 – April 30th, 2024

Get excited, fellow wanderers! Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is throwing their annual, mesmerizing event that is known as the “Butterflies are Blooming” exhibition. Imagine a kaleidoscope of nature, featuring over 7,000 butterflies and moths, fluttering in a symphony of hues. There are over  60 species of butterflies represented at this exhibit for wanderers to watch as they dance and fly about. This is the perfect activity for nature lovers, families or people who just love to be in awe! Whatever the case, keep reading to find out more details about this highly anticipated yearly event.

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Butterflies of Paradise

This exhibition takes flight on March 1 and goes all the way until April 30th and members can go early on Sundays from 9AM-11AM. The entire exhibition is housed within the awe-inspiring five-story Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. You might feel like you’ve entered a tropical paradise, as the conservatory has to be kept at high temps and humidity to accommodate our colorful flying friends. Make sure to wear layers, as they keep it at a toasty 85 degrees, complemented by a lush 70% humidity.

Diverse Species & Global Origins

Get ready for a charming spectacle as exotic butterflies make themselves at home. Hailing from Central and South America, with a touch of tropical Asia and Africa, these winged wonders create a captivating display. It’s like taking a West Michigan safari into a vibrant world where Michigan embraces global hues in a colorful, fluttering wave.

The different kinds of species you might find include but aren’t limited to: the blue morpho, clearwing, lacewing, zebra mosaic, swallowtail, golden helicon, paper kite, atlas moth, and the African moon moth. The blue morpho, with its iridescent wings stealing the celestial spotlight, is the crowd-pleaser—the showstopper in this captivating carnival of nature.

Witness a Metamorphosis

The one part you might NOT want to miss is the weekly cocoon hatching! Yes you heard right – you get to witness up to 1000 butterflies emerge from their chrysalis, completing their metamorphosis and flying into their new life. You can stand in awe of the beauty and the metaphor!

Extended Hours; Exhibition Activities

Tuesday Night Lights:

Bring your flashlight on Tuesday nights until 9 pm to search for butterflies and see the nightlife in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

Who Am I? A Butterfly Ballet

Huizenga Grand Room – Saturday, February 17 | 10 am or 12:30 pm

Sunday, February 18 | 12 or 2:30 pm

Tickets required: MeijerGardens.org/calendar

Cost: $5 members | $10 nonmembers | 2 and younger free

“Told through the eyes of a newly emerged butterfly, this story captivates young and old alike. With colorful costumes, spectacular music, and exquisite choreography, the enchanting performance provides a unique and memorable experience. Who Am I? A Butterfly Ballet is choreographed by Attila Mosolygo and performed by members of the Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company.

• American Sign Language interpretation will be provided for the Saturday,
• February 17, 10 am performance.”
• Please email classes@meijergardens.org for more information.

Extended Spring Break Hours:

Open until 9 pm March 29 and April 1–5.

Exclusive Member Early Hours: Members enjoy exclusive early open hours every

Sunday morning in March and April, from 9–11 am.

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Outdoor Children’s Activities

Wednesday, March 1, through Sunday, April 30 | Daylight hours only

Lena Meijer Children’s Garden 

Included with admission

Exhibition rules:

• Please do not touch the butterflies.
• During the butterfly exhibition, tripods are not allowed in the Lena Meijer Tropical
• Conservatory. While monopods may be used, please be courteous to other guests.
• Per USDA regulations, no butterfly or plant materials may leave the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

Admission to Meijer Gardens, which includes the butterfly exhibit & children’s garden, is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $10 for children 3-13. Children under 2 get in free. Keep up to date on their website or click here for tickets and details.