Step into a tropical paradise at the American Museum of Natural History’s Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a breathtaking year-round exhibit that lets visitors walk among hundreds of live butterflies. Inspired by the museum’s popular seasonal display, this immersive experience features up to 80 butterfly species at any given time, along with rare moths, lush greenery, and interactive learning stations.
During a recent visit, I saw firsthand how the Vivarium captivates both kids and adults. With around 160,000 species of butterflies and moths worldwide, this exhibit goes beyond beauty—showcasing their roles as pollinators, camouflagers, and travelers.
What You’ll Discover Inside the Vivarium:
- Colorful Butterfly Encounters – See a rotating variety of over 130 butterfly species, including the dazzling common green birdwing and the elusive starry night cracker, and many more.
- Atlas Moth Showcase – Witness one of the largest insects in the world, with wingspans stretching up to a foot.
- Live Pupae Incubator – Watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises in real time.
- Life Span – The average adult butterfly lifespan is typically a few weeks, ranging from 2 to 4 weeks for most species.
- Tropical Plant Life – Walk through microhabitats filled with lush plants that support butterfly life cycles.
- Hands-On Learning – Use a digital microscope and interactive tools to explore butterfly anatomy and behavior.
- Updated Daily ID Board – Identify the butterflies in flight each day with a changing illustrated guide.
Planning Your Trip to See the Butterflies
To keep the butterflies happy, the Vivarium stays a warm and humid 80°F—so dress light. This popular exhibit draws big crowds, but it’s well worth it for an unforgettable encounter with nature’s most vibrant fliers.
The American Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City at 200 Central Park West.