Florida Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Rainforest changes hours due to renovations

Though students can still explore UF’s on-campus butterfly exhibit, renovations are underway.

The Florida Museum of Natural History’s “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibit will close early from now through Oct. 6 for scheduled renovations. The exhibit will also be closed all day Sept. 7 and Oct. 5. The 12-year-old Butterfly Rainforest is starting to look worn down because of Florida’s humidity, which allows mildew and rust to grow, said Paul Ramey, a museum spokesman.

The latest visitors can enter is 3:30 p.m., and it closes at 4 p.m. Museum staff wanted to keep the exhibit open for the public while doing necessary renovations, which include sanding, pressure washing, repairing the stucco siding and painting.

The butterflies won’t be moved, he said. Over 200,000 people come to see them each year, he said.

“It’s the most popular exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History,” Ramey said. “Our hope is that it will be much more visually appealing.”

In January, the museum closed for routine fumigations, according to Alligator archives.

Drew Willis, a UF industrial engineering freshman, said he’s glad the exhibit will remain open despite the necessary renovations.

“The butterfly gardens allowed students to experience the beauty of nature despite the fact that they live on a very industrial-like campus,” the 18-year-old said.

Correction:

The original story stated the museum would be closed Sept. 7 and Oct. 5, however only the exhibit, not the whole museum, will be closed.