We are closed. I will update this more shortly…
Hello hello. After many years of serving the greater Philadelphia community, the facilities of the Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion are now closed. However, our school and zoo-to-you programming will still live on and be available through our partner organization, Wild Things Preserve, Inc. If you would like to book one of these programs or learn more about them, please reach out to them through their website Wildthingspreserve.org or by calling them at (215) 589-4146.
Thank you for everyone who has reached out and shared stories about fond memories they had at the Insectarium. We appreciate that and will be posting updates on our social media when we are ready to open a new place.
*The rest of this website (minus any payment links) will be left up for reference for a few months to help transition some of our programs. Feel free to peruse and catch the last typos while you still can :-p
OLD SITE STUFF BELOW (‘yar)
We are proud to be Philadelphia’s coolest science museum, showcasing one of the most diverse living arthropod collections in the United States. With two floors of new museum exhibits, a 7,000-square-foot tropical butterfly pavilion, and Next Generation-aligned educational programming, we offer a unique and interactive experience for all to enjoy.
We are fully committed to educating the public about the environmental importance of arthropods. Our community events, classes, and free programs help us to teach individuals about the ecology of the most important group of animals in the world: insects!
Earth Day 2023
Spring has sprung and here at the Insectarium, there’s nothing we love more than nature and all it has to offer. Come join us to celebrate the critters that help this planet go ’round! Throughout the afternoon we will have various activity stations set up throughout the museum. Learn how to make seed bombs to grow native plants in your backyard or parks, create your own unique jewelry with real butterfly wings or get your face painted as your favorite bug. And, of course there will be animal encounters a plenty!
Earth Day After Party
Don’t let this Earth day pass you by uncelebrated. Instead, join us at the Insectarium for a night of fun and fundraising to help save our precious museum! Three levels of fun await our guests, with music from DJ Jaji and dancing, specialty cocktails from small crafters Blue Coat Distillery.
Get an inspiring taste featuring local businesses with food from King’s Corner and more, and a dessert table with the delectable delicacies of Velvet Sky Bakery.
Enjoy some up close and personal encounters with various insects and exotic animals as you explore through our enchanted pavilion to discover live performers and marvel at the fantastic ice art of Eric Wagner of Ice Sculpture Philly as his gorgeous, interactive creation takes shape throughout the night.
As you wander, feel free to make a bid at our silent auction on an array of art, antiques, offers and products from local businesses, as well as some fantastic creations using our very own butterflies.
All of the funds from the tickets and auction items will contribute to our efforts to save our fantastic museum, so bring a guest and invite your friends!
- Where: Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion
- When: Saturday, April 22, from 8-11 pm
- Who: 21+ only
- Cost: $20.00 standard entry (cash bar) or $40.00 entry AND open bar, $75.00 entry AND open bar for two
Insectarium
Learn about the most successful group of animals in the world…insects!
Enjoy two floors of exciting and educational exhibits filled with an amazing assortment of arthropods, including tarantulas, scorpions, and praying mantises!
Our knowledgeable and attentive staff are here to answer all of your bug questions!
Butterfly Pavilion
Get up close and personal with butterflies in our year-round Butterfly Pavilion!
Our museum is home to a striking and immersive tropical ecosphere filled with tropical and native butterflies. Don’t forget to wear bright colors so the butterflies land on you! This grand space is sure to surprise and inspire. Private bookings are available upon request.
Come Visit
Hours: 10am to 5pm Monday-Sunday we are open to the public and for group tours. If you want to schedule a group tour, please contact us in advance so we can make sure to have one of our educators available to show you around!
Hours: 7 Days a Week 10am-5pm
Address: 8046 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 335-9500
Email Us
If you have questions about custom events or want more information on our upcoming programs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
School Tours
Learning about the world of entomology is essential for every science lesson plan. Our museum is filled with species from all over the planet that engage students and showcase insect’s incredible adaptations, diverse habitats, and unbelievable camouflage.
Our lessons and activities are all specifically designed to complement and address the Next Generation Standards that students are tested on. Coming to the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion isn’t just a fun experience, it effectively takes the place of certain lessons that would have to be taught regardless in the classroom.
The enthusiastic and informative staff help to bring the pages of student’s science books to life when they receive a personalized tour of the Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion!
Special Events
From celebrating birthdays with customized critter cakes, to holding corporate functions, to getting married surrounded by thousands of fluttering exotic butterflies, the museum offers a unique event space like no other in Philadelphia.
Our dedicated staff will ensure your special event is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail, making your event spectacular! Please call or email us for more information about how we can make your event exactly what you want!
Featured Arthropod
The Macleay’s Spectre, a large stick insect from Australia, is a fascinating example of adaption. Its camouflage makes it nearly indistinguishable from its leafy home.
In addition to their incredible camouflage, their bodies contort like a scorpion’s attack pose when threatened to ward off predators, and their bodies are able to sway in the breeze, just like a leaf.
Come visit and see how many you can spot!
