Sensational Butterflies exhibition at National History Museum
The turn of spring in the capital marked the arrival of tropical butterflies in their hundreds. Species from across the globe have descended upon London’s Natural History Museum as part of the “Sensational Butterflies” exhibition, providing visitors with the chance to see these rare species in full flight throughout the spring and summer seasons.
This is the 10th year the Natural History Museum in Kensington has welcomed people with an opportunity to explore its grand butterfly house, highlighting just how much of a hugely popular attraction it is to us city folk.
Witness rare butterfly species from across the world
Of course, we’re not entirely bereft of butterfly wonderment - the Red Admiral and Marbled White are two much-loved species among many that can be spotted across London parks – but there’s obviously something to be said for species of a more exotic nature from the likes of Africa, Asia and the Americas.
If you’ve never explored the exhibition in any of the previous years, then you’re in for a glorious surprise. Imagine hundreds of brightly coloured winged creatures fluttering their way around flower cribs and overgrown vines. You’re invited to wander though the tropical conservatory, pick up some fascinating butterfly facts and appreciate their beauty up close and personal (sometimes a little too close and personal!).
The butterfly house mirrors their natural environment
Here in the UK, we’re in a climate that’s far too cold for tropical and subtropical species to survive, so an awful lot goes into the planning and building of the butterfly house each year. The climate is carefully monitored and maintained, with an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius by day and 18 degrees by night. Throw in 100% humidity and the environment inside is made as close to the butterflies’ natural habitat as possible. This means you’ll not only witness these rare species up close, but also get a feel for what it’s like in the forests of Singapore. It’s just like being on a foreign adventure!
Just like us, some butterflies are fussier than others when it comes to the food they are willing to eat, so the butterfly house must be well stocked with a wide range of plants and alternatives to ensure each species is adequately catered for.
So, why not pop along and discover more fascinating facts and see these beautiful creatures for yourselves?
Venue, prices and opening times
Where is it?
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
South Kensington
London
SW7 5BDWhen is it?
The exhibition kicked off March 29th and will run through the summer until September 16th.
How much does it cost?
Individual ticket: £5.85
Family ticket: £19.80
Free entry for children aged 3 and under, NHM members, patrons and disability personal assistants.If you’re in London for the exhibition, why not pop across to one of our Barbed showrooms in Barnes and Chiswick to take a look at what we can offer you? We have plenty of designer outdoor furniture to show-off in our collection, all from a range of international garden furniture designers, so we’re sure to have something that can complement your outdoor space.
- 25th May 2018
