The Butterfly House

Established in 1998. More than a thousand live tropical butterflies fly freely in the glass conservatory at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. Watch a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis right before your eyes. Or go outside and visit native and migrating species in the Butterfly Garden. Take a class, shop until you drop, or plan a private party on... the Emerson Lakeside Terrace. Whatever your age, you'll enjoy a visit to the Butterfly House, where wonder takes flight! Ground was broken in June of 1997 and construction began on the Butterfly House. Great care was taken in the design and engineering of the building to assure a natural and safe habitat for the butterflies. The Butterfly House opened its doors to the public on September 18, 1998 and provides educational opportunities to a diverse visitorship. In 2000 the outdoor area known as the Butterfly Garden was dedicated. The Butterfly House offers education programs, special events, lectures and, of course, the chance to witness butterflies in two habitats, one native and one tropical. In July, 2001, the Butterfly House became a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden, a leader in horticultural displays, research and education. In 2002, the Butterfly House began participating with Butterfly Conservation Initiative, BFCI, of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the next year it was accredited by the AZA becoming the only dedicated insect facility in this organization.Read More