Butterfly Pavilion Welcomes ‘Morph’ Monarch Sculpture Before Its Permanent Home on 16th Street Mall

Westminster, CO – March 25, 2025 – Butterfly Pavilion, in collaboration with the Downtown Denver Partnership, is thrilled to introduce Morph, a stunning five-foot-tall monarch butterfly sculpture crafted from found objects and repurposed materials. Created by Grand Junction-based artist James Cable, Morph symbolizes transformation, conservation, and renewal—paralleling both the revitalization of Denver’s 16th Street Mall and Butterfly Pavilion’s 30-year legacy of invertebrate conservation.

Before finding its permanent home on the newly renovated 16th Street Mall, Morph will be on temporary display at Butterfly Pavilion starting March 28. Guests can visit Morph and experience its message of sustainability and metamorphosis firsthand.

“Monarch butterflies are an iconic symbol of resilience, and with their recent classification as a threatened species, Morph serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation efforts,” said Nathalie Brochu, Interim CEO, Butterfly Pavilion. “We are honored to showcase this remarkable piece before it migrates to downtown Denver.”

Morph’s creator, James Cable, was inspired by his early love of butterflies and science. His work is featured in several Colorado locations, and Morph holds special significance as a representation of hope and renewal for both the natural world and Denver’s evolving urban landscape.

Morph was acquired by the Downtown Denver Partnership through the Downtown Denver Leadership Program Class of 2024 as part of their class project focused on activating newly opened blocks of 16th Street.

“With the revitalization of 16th Street, we are creating a world-class public space that reflects our city’s spirit and invites Coloradans back to the iconic spine of downtown.

Morph represents the metamorphosis and transformation of this world-class public space,” said Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “Through this collaboration with Butterfly Pavilion, we’re excited to expand the reach of 16th Street and Downtown Denver beyond our physical boundaries and provide a glimpse into the special activations coming to downtown through Morph’s placement at Butterfly Pavilion.”

Morph Opening Day at Butterfly Pavilion: Friday, March 28, 2025
Location: Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster, CO

Following its time at Butterfly Pavilion, Morph will be permanently installed on the 16th Street Mall, where a plaque will commemorate its origins at Butterfly Pavilion and its role in Denver’s transformation.