The largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States will soon open once more as Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park hosts Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming, opening March 1 and continuing through April 30, 2026.
In its 31st year, this favorite annual exhibit in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory invites visitors to experience more than 7,000 butterflies and moths flying freely around, representing 60 species from Africa, Asia, and Central and South America all in one place—which wouldn’t be possible in their natural environments. The five-story, 15,000-square-foot glass house provides the ideal tropical setting for these world travelers, from blue morphos and clearwings, to Atlas moths and tree nymphs.
“Butterflies at Meijer Gardens is a quintessential springtime tradition for families across West Michigan and beyond, and we look forward to ushering in the start of our fourth decade of offering this magical tradition,” said Steve LaWarre, Senior Vice President at Meijer Gardens. “Guests can partake in everything from an immersive visit to the tropical conservatory with thousands of butterflies overhead, to a butterfly-themed program such as our new Bourbon & Butterflies events this year.”
The exhibition also offers guests up-close experiences at feeding stations with tropical fruit slices and nectar-rich plants and at the Observation Station, where 1,250 chrysalides are delivered to Meijer Gardens weekly, and cocoons emerge through metamorphosis. Additionally, the exhibition features vibrant flora displays like arches of foliage and blooms; layered beds of bulbs; hyacinths in varied hues; unique tulip varieties; and colorful arrangements of air plants, bromeliads, and orchids.
New this year, Meijer Gardens will feature two evening events, Spring Nights: Butterflies and Bourbon, where guests can experience the magic of this exhibit at twilight April 21 and 28 with live music from local artists performing in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and surrounding spaces. Guests 21 and older also can sip bourbon-inspired beverages for purchase and specialty cocktails from a curated bar menu. Butterfly Tea Parties also are new this year, following and preceding ballet performances on February 28 and March 1. Designed as a family-friendly culinary experience, these elegant teas invite guests to enjoy a curated spread in a butterfly-inspired setting. Grand Rapids Junior Ballet Dancers will make a special appearance for photos.
Following a visit to the butterfly exhibit, visitors can continue the themed experience at the James & Shirley Balk Café to enjoy a new menu of butterfly-inspired desserts and beverages. The DeVos–Keeler Gift Shop also will sell butterfly-themed apparel and items.
A number of additional exhibition activities are also scheduled and be viewed here. Visitors can expedite entry and skip the ticketing line by reserving tickets online.
Courtesy of West Michigan Woman.
Photos courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
