Butterfly Kaleidoscope
presented by Citizens Energy Group

Open through Sept. 3

Immerse yourself in the beauty of butterflies as these wonderful winged insects return to The Hilbert Conservatory following a two-year hiatus. We've transformed the indoor gardens into a tropical paradise to bring you butterflies in a way that you've never experienced them before!

As you walk through the warm, aromatic indoor garden, 40 species of butterflies will flit nearby — and one might even land on you! Each day, new butterflies, like the Blue Morpho, Monarch and Great Owl butterflies, will be released from the chamber. Learn about the amazing metamorphosis of these magical creatures — from egg to larva to pupa to butterfly. Feel the soft flutter of their wings as they float by on their way to take a drink nectar from stunning glass feeders hand blown by Gloria’s Garden Glass. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning colors and delicate details of these fascinating creatures! Children also will love the new interactive butterfly building station, where they can build a giant replica of these interesting insects.

A dazzling array of colors will fill every corner of the conservatory in this brand new show, making you believe that you are walking into an immense glass kaleidoscope. A breathtaking mobile of giant proportions will twirl overhead as a rainbow of light shimmers in through stained glass panels. These translucent, jewel-toned panels will mimic the butterflies as they float on the air currents high in the air in the Conservatory.

The Hilbert Conservatory is also a great place to come and relax as you take in the lush, tropical environment! The show also include a new water features as well as lush new flora. The warmth of these indoor gardens is perfect to help chase away the chill. The Conservatory also offers a beautiful view of the natural beauty of the outdoor gardens. As you wander outdoors, make sure to look around for inspiration and ideas on how to attract native butterflies to your own backyard.

Conservatory shows are supported through an endowment funded by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation Inc. Indianapolis Zoo Art and Nature Programming is supported by the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis.