Located at the southernmost end of Duval Street, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is one of the island’s most popular family-friendly attractions. It’s home to more than 60 species of butterflies and 20 species of exotic birds. A visit to the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is divided between the climate-controlled conservatory where the butterflies flutter freely, the learning center, an art gallery and a gift shop.
Delicate butterflies flutter about among flourishing plants and tropical flowers; you may even have one land on your shoulder. At the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, hundreds of butterflies of every size, shape and color live in a tropical haven. Learn about how the butterflies are bred in captivity and many other interesting facts about these graceful creatures. Kids and adults enjoy this unique and beautiful attraction.
ENCLOSED HABITAT
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory’s main attraction is the glass-enclosed conservatory habitat where hundreds of butterflies flutter freely amidst tropical flowers and leafy trees. Meander down the path past a babbling brook and over a wooden bridge to a cascading waterfall as you marvel at the winged wonders that are often known as “flowers of the sky.”
LEARNING CENTER
Through exhibits and a 15-minute film, you’ll learn all about butterflies inside the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory’s Learning Center. You’ll view maps and illustrations teaching you about butterfly anatomy and their life cycle, as well as the Monarch Butterfly’s migration path and where different butterfly species call home around the world. You’ll even see live caterpillars feeding or wrapped inside their cocoons in different phases of their metamorphosis into butterflies.
ART GALLERY
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory’s gallery is where art meets science. Here, you’ll find “Wings of Imagination,” works by artist Sam Trophia who preserves butterflies in airtight, clear acrylic cases once they’ve lived out their lifespan. These one-of-a-kind works capture butterflies restored in brilliant colors. Pieces range from wall and table mount displays depicting everything from a single butterfly frozen in mid-flight to creative, multi-panel murals in kaleidoscopic patterns. Works are on sale at the gallery and commissions are also available.
GIFT SHOP
Who can resist leaving a museum without a visit to the gift shop? At the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, you’ll find t-shirts, hats, jewelry, coloring books, educational resources, magnets, calendars, toys, art and a wide variety of souvenirs.
EXPLORING THE MUSEUM
When it comes to planning your visit, the best way to experience the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is to start with the Learning Center and the 15-minute film. While heading straight to the Conservatory is tempting, the Learning Center will prime you for your visit by providing a broader understanding of what you’ll see throughout the rest of the museum.
BEST TIME OF DAY TO SEE BUTTERFLIES
You’re guaranteed to see hundreds of butterflies in flight no matter what time of day you visit, but different butterflies are active at different times of day. In the morning, look for certain species feeding on flowers or sunning themselves. And in the evening, the Owl Butterfly – the largest species at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory – comes out to play while others head to bed.
There aren't many of the tourist attractions on Duval Street that the locals enjoy as much as the tourists but I do like the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. I have several of their artworks in my house. One would look great in that Florida Keys house you buy from me. Let's go check it out together.
Gary
