The butterfly exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden is a popular destination for school groups, out-of-town visitors, and locals alike. Visitors to the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion can expect to see hundreds of butterflies housed in a flight-enclosed lush garden that recreates a habitat most appealing to these enchanting creatures.

When and Where You Can Visit the Butterfly Pavilion

This is a seasonal exhibit located in the Desert Botanical Garden, situated in Phoenix, near McDowell Road and 64th Street. The exhibit is open to all garden visitors every day from Saturday, March 2, 2019, through Sunday, May 12, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Notably, there is no extra charge to visit the Butterfly Pavilion; it is included with general garden admission.

Five Things to Know about the Butterfly Pavilion

1. Previously known as the Maxine and Jonathan Marshall Butterfly Pavilion, the seasonal butterfly exhibit opened in 2017. The expanded exhibit incorporates a caterpillar nursery and emergence chamber, allowing visitors to view all stages of a butterfly’s life cycle. The exhibit also features educational displays about butterfly life cycles, pollination, and tips on creating a butterfly-friendly garden.
2. The butterfly pavilion is located on the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail, which is just a short walk from the garden entrance. Visitors can find a map in the Visitors Guide, along with signage directing guests to the pavilion.
3. For both the butterflies’ safety and your own, please do not touch the butterflies. Additionally, be careful where you step when inside the pavilion to avoid harming these beautiful, delicate creatures.
4. Garden volunteers oversee entry to the pavilion to ensure safety and protect the butterflies. Once inside, there is no time limit on your visit. The volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, providing an opportunity to ask questions about the butterflies.
5. During spring, butterflies are added to the exhibit weekly. You may be fortunate enough to witness a butterfly release! As Phoenix warms in the spring, more butterflies will emerge. April typically sees the highest number of butterflies, but visiting at any time during the exhibit’s annual spring schedule is delightful.

If You Have Additional Questions

For more information, contact the Desert Botanical Garden at 480-941-1225 or visit the garden online.

_{All dates, times, prices, and offerings are subject to change without notice.}