Wings of the Tropics

A Tropical Paradise in Colorado

Wings of the Tropics is Butterfly Pavilion’s signature exhibit and one of the most beloved butterfly experiences in North America. Step through the double doors and enter a lush, 7,200-square-foot tropical rainforest habitat maintained at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 80% humidity year-round.

More than 1,800 free-flying butterflies from over 200 species fill the air around you. Watch Blue Morphos glide overhead, spot the brilliant orange of a Julia Longwing, or hold perfectly still as a Painted Lady lands on your shoulder. Our butterflies are sourced from sustainable farms across Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

What to Expect

As you walk the winding paths, you will encounter tropical plants, a flowing waterfall, and feeding stations where butterflies gather on sliced fruit. Interpretive specialists are stationed throughout the exhibit to answer questions and help you identify species.

Be sure to visit the Chrysalis Corner, where you can watch butterflies emerging from their chrysalises in real time. Our staff releases newly emerged butterflies into the habitat throughout the day.

Conservation in Action

Wings of the Tropics is more than a beautiful exhibit; it is a working model of invertebrate conservation. Butterfly Pavilion partners with butterfly farms in tropical regions, providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities while protecting rainforest habitats from deforestation. Every butterfly in our conservatory supports this global network of conservation and economic sustainability.

Our scientific team also conducts ongoing research on butterfly behavior, migration patterns, and the impacts of climate change on pollinator populations. Visitors can learn about these efforts through interpretive signage and staff-led presentations throughout the day.