For three decades, Butterfly Pavilion has been a cherished part of Westminster, Colorado, a place where curiosity takes flight, science meets storytelling, and guests of all ages connect with the small but mighty creatures that power our planet. Now, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re proud to announce a transformational agreement with the City of Westminster to expand our campus and deepen our impact.
Butterfly Pavilion and the City of Westminster have signed a Letter of Intent to jointly pursue the phased renovation and expansion of our facility. This early-stage public-private partnership outlines a shared vision to improve Butterfly Pavilion’s current site at 104th Avenue and establish Westminster as a global hub for invertebrate research, conservation, education, and nature-based experiences, rooted in the urgent mission to protect and conserve invertebrates, animals without backbones that are the foundation of life on Earth.
Together, we’re laying the foundation for a premier destination for invertebrate research, conservation, education, and immersive guest experiences.

A Legacy of Leadership in Invertebrate Conservation

Since opening in 1995, Butterfly Pavilion has grown into a global leader in the fight to protect and conserve invertebrates. From restoring pollinator habitats and rearing endangered fireflies to influencing policy and engaging more than a million students over the decades, our work has spanned six continents and transformed how the world views invertebrates.
Invertebrates—animals without backbones—make up 97% of all animal species on Earth and are essential to healthy ecosystems. They pollinate crops, recycle nutrients, clean water, and support life across the planet. Yet they remain understudied, under protected, and increasingly at risk. Butterfly Pavilion exists to change that.

Our Impact Over the Years:  

• Habitat and Species Conservation: 
  • Restoring and protecting thousands of acres for vital species like bees, butterflies and tarantulas.
  • Implementing species survival plans and receiving prestigious grants, including AZA support to restore monarch butterfly habitat in Mexico.

• Pioneering Research and Collaborations: 
  • Partnering with institutions like Colorado State University to enhance pollinator health and invertebrate science.
  • Conducting innovative studies on tarantula ecology and collaborating with state agencies to protect wildlife during critical periods.

• Community Engagement and Education: 
  • Welcoming millions of visitors throughout 30 years with inspiring and transformative exhibits and zoo experiences.  
  • Impacting more than one million students over the decades through immersive education programs through immersive field trips, camps and virtual learning experiences. 
  • Training community scientists and involving the public in monitoring and conserving butterfly populations via initiatives like the Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network.

• Local and Global Initiatives: 
  • Local Impact: Restoring urban prairies across Colorado, rearing dragonflies and fireflies in our lab, and leading habitat restoration projects that protect native pollinators and invertebrates in our own backyard. 
  • Global Impact: Safeguarding the monarch migration in partnership with the government of Mexico, reducing human-wildlife conflicts in Tanzania, and pioneering sustainable practices like butterfly farming in Sumatra and Indonesia to support global conservation efforts.

Building the Future—Together 

Planning is already underway to develop a long-term strategy that sets the stage for growth, funding opportunities, and a shared vision to build a renowned institution that will serve Westminster, Colorado, and the world for generations to come.

With thoughtful planning and deep community support, the expanded Butterfly Pavilion will stand as a place where science becomes action, conservation becomes community, and small wonders lead to big change.

“Butterfly Pavilion has been part of the fabric of our community for three decades,” said Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally. “This new chapter ensures that families who live, work, and play in Westminster will continue to have access to one of the most unique, inspiring places in the country, right in their own backyard. We’re proud to support a project that enriches lives, strengthens our city, and connects people of all ages to the natural world.”