Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science: Entry Ticket

Must Do Experiences

• Stand near the 50-foot waterfall and wait for colorful butterflies to land on your shoulders.

• Explore the Brown Hall of Entomology to marvel at some of the world's largest and strangest arthropods.

• Play the interactive games and take the quizzes to discover your inner insect.

• Watch the mesmerizing chrysalis hatching area to see butterflies emerge in real-time.

Hidden Gems

• Wear bright colors like red, yellow, or orange, or wear a floral perfume to attract butterflies to land on you.

• Look closely at the lower foliage near the paths; many exotic species like the glasswing butterfly prefer the shade closer to the ground.

• Don't miss the leaf-cutter ant colony exhibit in the entomology hall, where you can watch them carry leaves across a complex vine system.

What Makes it Special

• A spectacular three-story glass cone structure housing a living tropical rainforest.

• Features a breathtaking 50-foot indoor waterfall that creates the perfect humid environment for exotic flora and fauna.

• Combines live animal encounters with world-class, museum-grade entomology exhibits and interactive learning.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is early in the morning right when the museum opens, as the butterflies are most active as the sun warms the glass conservatory. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and school holidays.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Turn off your flash, as sudden bright lights can startle the butterflies and disrupt the natural ambiance.

• Use a macro lens if you have one, and wait patiently near brightly colored flowers for the perfect close-up shot.

• Capture the scale of the environment by shooting from the bottom floor looking up at the waterfall and the glass ceiling.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Respect the delicate ecosystem by observing the 'look but don't touch' rule; touching butterfly wings damages their scales and harms them. Stay on the designated pathways to protect the tropical plants and resting insects.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The museum occasionally hosts seasonal plant sales where you can buy butterfly-friendly flora for your own garden.

• Look out for special educational events during National Pollinator Week in June.

• Holiday-themed events and special creepy-crawly insect encounters are often held during Halloween.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Walk carefully, as the pathways can be slightly damp and slippery from the waterfall mist.

• Always check the floor to ensure you aren't stepping on any resting butterflies.

• Check your clothing in the mirrored exit vestibule to make sure no hitchhiking butterflies escape into the main museum.