Behold - the Butterfly Pavilion

From now until September 3rd, Natural History Museum visitors have the special opportunity to visit the Butterfly Pavilion, a seasonal outdoor living exhibit that allows visitors to leisurely enter a world of wonderment and is quite a sight to behold.

Imagine being surrounded by floating, lighter-than-air, exotic butterflies! Get up close and personal to these gorgeous creatures in a natural environment. The Natural History Museum is proud to present over 53 different Butterfly and moth species for viewing in a green, thriving and natural environment.

The Pavilion is regularly stocked with Butterfly and Moth species from across the United States. Various butterfly species will be present at different points in the special exhibit season. Likewise, the plants inside the exhibit will continue to grow and change. What does that mean for you? Every visit to the Butterfly Pavilion will reveal something new to you! Butterflies are the most active in warmer weather (above 90 degrees), so the action should really heat up in the summer months.

Knowledgeable staff members are on hand to answer any questions that may arise, and they will point out interesting butterflies or places where you can see their eggs or a chrysalis. Don't forget to grab a Butterfly and Moth key to help you identify the different species you will find.

The seasonal Butterfly Pavilion exhibit is open from April 8th until September 3rd. The exhibit is located on the South Lawn and requires a separate small admission fee available for purchase with General Admission. Butterfly Pavilion tickets are sold in timed increments to best ensure your butterfly gazing experience.

General Admission: $5.00 - $12.00
For Butterfly Pavilion add $1.00 - $3.00.
Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Parking: Parking in the NHM car park is $8 and is cash only. Parking is also available immediately to the west of the Museum is $10 and cash only.

Story and all photos by Desiree Eaglin, who loves exploring all that Southern California has to offer with her two children. She blogs at Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest. You can find her on Twitter too.