Butterfly Pavilion

After nearly 18 years of connecting our visitors with these incredible creatures, the Butterfly Pavilion has reached the end of its useful life and is now permanently closed. Stay tuned for some exciting news about how the museum is reimagining the space to take visitors on a deeper dive into the world of insects.

In the meantime, take advantage of opportunities in your community and even in your own backyard to experience butterflies and take care of the habitats they require to thrive. If you're coming to the National Museum of Natural History, please be sure and visit the O. Orkin Insect Zoo which remains open and also stop by the Pollinator Garden to see butterflies, bees, and a host of other insects at work.

To learn more about butterflies, visit the Butterflies and Beyond page.