INTO THE GLASS HOUSE FRED & DOROTHY FICHTER BUTTERFLIES ARE BLOOMING

Monday, March 1—Friday, April 30, 2021

Spring has sprung inside the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory as we invite you to step into the glass house and explore an enchanting world alive with winged wonders. Come warm up with us.

Every March, they travel by the thousands across the world to take flight and delight the child in each of us during Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming. This year marks the 26th anniversary of our beloved event, which remains the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States and a perennial point of pride at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

With its abbreviated three-week run last year due to the global pandemic, the theme of Into The Glass House returns with an intriguing look into the world of life under glass. From our soaring five-story conservatory to modest artful terrariums, this year’s exhibition captivates from every corner. A focal point will be the Wardian case in the Earl & Donnalee Victorian Garden Parlor, abloom with bromeliads, orchids and ferns. The history of this curious case dates back to 1842, when English doctor and amateur botanist Nathanial Bagshaw Ward innovated what he called a “fern house”. This first glass terrarium came to bear his name. A greenhouse in miniature, the Wardian case uses condensation and evaporation to self-regulate climate without an outside water source. Ward’s invention of this enclosed, sustainable environment forever changed the course of modern botany, farming and commerce in the Industrial Era by allowing safe transport of flowers, plants and crops.

Next stop on the exhibition is the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, home to approximately 60 butterfly and moth species. Look for the Observation Station, where custom release cases reminiscent of Dr. Wardian’s discovery invite you to witness transformation as they emerge from chrysalides and cocoons to stretch their wings and learn to fly. Every week, an expected 1,000 chrysalides make the long journey from tropical regions in Asia, Central America, South America and Africa to Meijer Gardens. As you meander the walkway, stop to spot stunners like the majestic blue morpho, elegant clearwing and impressive atlas moth, with its incredible 6–12 inch wingspan.

Other interesting stops include the caterpillar exhibition in our Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse and outdoor children’s activities in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. While the exhibition may look and feel a little different this year, we remain committed to keeping you safe and comfortable as you create memories with the whole family. We appreciate your patience as we work through reduced capacity in our conservatory and other new procedures designed with your health and safety in mind. Exhibition details are subject to change, so please continue to visit MeijerGardens.org for the latest updates prior to your visit. We look forward to welcoming you Into The Glass House!

Be sure to check out our Wardian case, located in the Earl and Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor.

Kirstin Volkening