Visitors Can Enjoy Up-Close Encounters with Thousands of Tropical Butterflies Flying Throughout Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory Plus New Butterfly-Themed Elements
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announces the return of the much-loved Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition, now in its 30th year. This highly anticipated event, the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States, showcases the stunning diversity and intricate beauty of butterflies and moths. Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming, opening March 1 and running through April 30, invites visitors to celebrate the unique spectacle of thousands of tropical butterflies flying freely within the lush environment of the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.
This exhibition represents a global journey, featuring more than 60 butterfly and moth species from Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. The five-story, 15,000-square-foot glass house provides the ideal tropical setting for these vibrant world travelers. Guests will experience species; from dazzling blue morphos and stealthy clearwings to majestic Atlas moths and elegant tree nymphs.
In addition to showcasing the butterflies' aerial ballet, the exhibition offers guests unique, up-close experiences at feeding stations with nectar plants and at the Observation Station, where thousands of chrysalides and cocoons emerge and reveal the magic of metamorphosis. Approximately 1,000 chrysalides are delivered to Meijer Gardens each week of the exhibition.
This year’s milestone exhibition celebrates the tropics with vibrant flora displays of purples, pinks, oranges, and yellows. Guests can look forward to layered beds of bulbs, fresh hues of hyacinths, unique tulip varieties, and North American natives like Camassia quamash. The conservatory will also feature new elements, such as suspended feeding stations with tropical fruit slices and colorful arrangements of air plants, bromeliads, and orchids.
Exhibition Activities
Who Am I? A Butterfly Ballet
Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 am or 12:30 pm
Sunday, Feb. 16, 12 or 2:30 pm
$5 members | $10 nonmembers
2 and younger free
Mark your calendar for a thoroughly delightful butterfly ballet. Told through the eyes of a newly emerged butterfly, the story captivates young and old alike. With colorful costumes, spectacular music, and exquisite choreography, this enchanting performance—choreographed by Attila Mosolygo and performed by members of the Grand Rapid Ballet Junior Company—provides a unique and memorable experience.
NOTE: American Sign Language interpretation will be provided for the 10 am performance on Saturday, Feb. 15. Email: classes@meijergardens.org to reserve a space for ASL service or for more information.
Family Drop-In: Butterfly Exploration Stations
Sunday, March 2, 2–3 pm
Meijer Gardens Education Team
Experience butterfly wings from a different perspective in this hands-on exhibition program designed for all ages. Use an array of microscopes to take a closer look at butterfly diversity while investigating questions through careful observation. Unleash your creativity as you design and decorate your very own butterfly wings.
Secchia Garden Lecture – Celebrating 30 Years of
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Tuesday, March 11, 7 pm
In celebration of Meijer Gardens’ 30th anniversary, Senior Vice President Steve LaWarre and Senior Horticulture Lead Ian Warnock will reminisce about their journey designing and caring for the lush landscapes and groundbreaking projects at Meijer Gardens. Join their conversation reflecting upon the rich tapestry of innovation and dedication that has shaped Meijer Gardens into a world-class destination to experience art, culture and nature.
NOTE: This annual lecture is made possible by the generosity of the Secchia family. Captioning and Spanish translation services will be provided. Please direct questions to Eve Boyer: eboyer@meijergardens.org or 616-975-3145. Attendance to the Secchia Garden Lecture is complimentary, with registration required. Online registration for onsite attendance opens Feb. 1 at MeijerGardens.org/lecture.
After the Caterpillar—Cool Chrysalids and Cocoons
Sunday, March 23, 2–3 pm
Dr. Duke Elsner, MSU Extension
Join Dr. Duke Elsner for a visual journey unveiling the stunning diversity of butterfly and moth pupae, highlighting their unique structures and fascinating developmental processes. Get an up-close look at these incredible structures and discover how this life stage is key to the survival of Michigan's moths and butterflies.
Design for Delight: Butterfly Gardens
Sunday, April 27, 2–3 pm
Amy Heilman, The Living Garden
Learn how to design butterfly gardens that attract and nurture these beautiful insects. Discover the importance of native plants in supporting wildlife and how to incorporate host plants and nectar plants seamlessly into any garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or starting out, you'll leave with practical tips and creative ideas to transform your outdoor space into a butterfly paradise.
Outdoor Children’s Activities
Wednesday, March 1, through Sunday, April 30 | Daylight hours only
Lena Meijer Children’s Garden
Butterflies are blooming for all ages in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Whether guided or self-guided play, check at the Information Center to discover which engaging outdoor activities are available. Activities vary daily.
Earth Day – Every Day!
Saturday, April 26, 1–4 pm
Lena Meijer Children’s Garden
Celebrate earth awareness the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden way—with a variety of eco-friendly activities for all ages.
Tuesday Night Lights
Bring your flashlight on Tuesday nights in March and April until 9 pm to search for butterflies and see the nightlife in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.
Exclusive member events include Night of the Butterflies family parties Monday, March 17 and Sundays March 23 and 30, and an adult party Monday, April 21—RSVP required, and member early hours from 9 – 11 am on Sundays in March and April.
Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming is made possible by Fred and Dorothy Fichter and family; Howard Miller Company; The Meijer Foundation; Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation; Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Media sponsors are Star 105.7 FM, WOOD-TV8 and Blue Lake Public Radio.
Membership
Membership
Members of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park enjoy unique members-only events and exhibition openings, valuable discounts, and reciprocal benefits to more than 300 gardens nationwide. Exclusively for members, Meijer Gardens is open early the first full weekend of each month on Saturdays from 8 am–9 am and Sundays from 9 am–11 am. Learn more at: MeijerGardens.org/membership
Online Ticketing
Expedite entry and skip the ticketing line by reserving tickets online. Guests can visit MeijerGardens.org/tickets to purchase tickets online. When on-site, head directly to the Entry Desk for easy entry.