The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) opened in Exposition Park in 1913 as the Museum of History, Science, and Art, aiming to be a cultural center. The NHM first opened its Butterfly Pavilion in 1999 to provide a seasonal, immersive exhibit for visitors. Located on the South Lawn, the pavilion provides a space to connect with nature including 30 native species in a netted enclosure.
“For 27 years, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s Butterfly Pavilion has delighted visitors with a stunning display of butterflies and moths from all over the world,” said Lisa Gonzalez, the Program Manager of Invertebrate Living Collections. “Up to 30 different species ranging from tropical rainforests to local Californian butterflies flutter around you.”
A Blue Morpho lands on Joselinne Vasquez, of Anaheim, at The Natural History Museum’s Butterfly Pavilion in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The exhibit runs through Aug. 23. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A Blue Morpho flies through The Natural History Museum’s Butterfly Pavilion in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The exhibit runs through Aug. 23. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A butterfly lands on a visitor at The Natural History Museum’s Butterfly Pavilion in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The exhibit runs through Aug. 23. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A butterfly lands on a vine in The Natural History Museum’s Butterfly Pavilion in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The exhibit runs through Aug. 23. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Natalia Bush, of Los Angeles, looks for butterflies at The Natural History Museum’s Butterfly Pavilion in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The exhibit runs through Aug. 23. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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A Blue Morpho lands on Joselinne Vasquez, of Anaheim, at The Natural History Museum’s Butterfly Pavilion in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The exhibit runs through Aug. 23. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
What do people love the most about butterflies when they visit the Butterfly Pavilion? Gonzalez explained that butterfly wings come in a dazzling variety of colors and patterns, which is created by miniature, overlapping scales on their wings. People see these colors and patterns as a thing of beauty, which is why butterflies are such beloved insects, she explained.
The exhibition will be on view through Aug. 23.