Blooms & Butterflies
March 10–September 3, 2012

Hundreds of exotic butterflies transform Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens during Blooms & Butterflies. This iconic sign of spring delights the entire family with an immersive experience showcasing the fascinating life cycle and ecological importance of the butterfly.

Chrysales of exotic species arrive weekly at the Conservatory throughout the exhibition. Watch through the glass windows of the Emergence Center as new butterflies emerge right before your eyes!

Then see dozens of newly emerged butterflies take their first flight into the Pacific Island Water Garden during educational presentations at 1 and 3pm. Enjoy the warm and tropical climate of this indoor garden as exotic butterflies of all sizes and colors fly freely and feed on nectar from colorful blooms.

In the Cardinal Health Gallery
Explore the inspirational beauty of the butterfly through an exhibit of photography, on view through July 29. Works were selected through a competitive process open to amateur and professional artists throughout Ohio.

New this year: An expanded monarch experience in the Pollinators Garden!
Pollinators - butterflies, bees, and birds - play a vital role in the food chain and in the environment. Beginning June 30, daily 3pm tours of the Conservatory’s Pollinators Garden highlight the lifecycle of these important insects. A new native Butterfly Box provides an opportunity to see caterpillars transform into native butterflies that will be released into the local ecosystem. Brightly colored blooms and host plants attract not only butterflies, but bees and birds too, so you may even catch a glimpse of a hummingbird or two!