The Cockrell Butterfly Center, located within the Houston Museum of Natural Science, offers visitors an unforgettable experience as they step into a lush, tropical conservatory teeming with butterflies from around the world. With its captivating exhibits and immersive environment, the center provides a unique opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures while witnessing their beauty up close. A visit to the Cockrell Butterfly Center is a delightful and educational experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Exhibits and Attractions
The Cockrell Butterfly Center features a variety of exhibits and attractions, including:
- The Rainforest Conservatory: This three-story glass-enclosed structure recreates a tropical rainforest environment, complete with waterfalls, exotic plants, and a diverse array of butterflies fluttering freely among the visitors.
- The Brown Hall of Entomology: Adjacent to the conservatory, this exhibit hall offers a comprehensive look at the world of insects, including interactive displays, mounted specimens, and live insect colonies.
- Chrysalis Corner: Here, visitors can observe the miraculous process of metamorphosis as butterflies emerge from their chrysalides and take their first flight.
- Amazing World of Arthropods: This exhibit showcases the incredible diversity and adaptability of arthropods, including insects, arachnids, and crustaceans.
Visitor Information
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is located within the Houston Museum of Natural Science at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in Houston, Texas. The center is open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission to the Cockrell Butterfly Center requires a separate ticket from the general museum admission, with fees at $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and children aged 3 to 11, and free for children under 3.
Accessibility
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is wheelchair accessible, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science offers designated parking spaces for visitors with disabilities. Service animals are permitted in the museum, but not in the butterfly conservatory due to the free-flying nature of the butterflies.