Welcome to the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado, a unique attraction with a rich history of education and conservation. Opened on July 15, 1995, the Butterfly Pavilion was the first stand-alone non-profit insect zoo in the United States. This 30,000-square-foot facility, nestled on 11 acres of land, features five main exhibit areas, each dedicated to teaching visitors about the myriad wonders of butterflies and other invertebrates.
The idea for this extraordinary place began in 1990 with the formation of the Rocky Mountain Butterfly Consortium. Their dream of creating a public butterfly house came to life five years later with the establishment of the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center. From its inception, the Pavilion has been a leader in invertebrate education, conservation, and research.
The Pavilion’s main attraction is its indoor rainforest, the Wings of the Tropics, where visitors can experience the breathtaking sight of over 1,200 free-flying tropical butterflies. This vibrant ecosystem not only captivates with its beauty but also plays a crucial role in educating the public about the importance of invertebrates in our ecosystems.
In 1997, the Pavilion launched its first outreach program, the Bugmobile, which brings the wonders of invertebrates to schools across Colorado, serving thousands of students each year. That same year, the Pavilion was recognized as the fastest-growing cultural attraction in Denver, highlighting its impact on the community.
Over the years, the Pavilion has expanded its exhibits and educational programs. In 1998, the administrative offices were transformed into Water’s Edge, a tide pool exhibit that allows visitors to learn about marine invertebrates. By 2004, the Pavilion had completed a 13,000-square-foot addition, including classrooms and new exhibit spaces, further enhancing its educational offerings.
The Butterfly Pavilion’s commitment to conservation has also seen it partner with international projects, such as efforts to protect endangered butterfly species in Mongolia and Indonesia. Locally, it continues to work on restoring dragonfly and firefly populations in Colorado.
As you explore the Pavilion, remember that it’s more than just a place to admire butterflies. It’s a hub of scientific research and conservation efforts, aiming to inspire a new generation to appreciate and protect the often-overlooked invertebrates that are crucial to our planet’s health.
