BUTTERFLIES: THE MAGIC OF ATTRACTION – Live Tropical Butterfly Exhibition

ESSENTIAL VISITOR DETAILS

Every spring, the Fata Morgana Greenhouse comes alive with hundreds of fluttering butterflies, filling the space with their vibrant wings and offering a fascinating glimpse into their life cycle.

This year’s exhibition focuses on the theme of attraction – how plants lure these delicate pollinators. Unlike bees, which collect pollen primarily in pollen baskets on their legs, butterflies transfer pollen passively, using their entire bodies. This allows them to cover a wider area and pollinate plants that are further apart. Butterflies are masters at pollinating hard-to-reach flowers. With their long proboscises, they can access tubular blossoms and orchids with long spurs, making them indispensable to nature. They can even cling to very thin flowers, pollinating plants inaccessible to other pollinators.

Attraction also plays a key role in butterfly mating. Some species travel kilometers in search of a mate. The true masters of this are tropical silk moths—nocturnal creatures that you will once again see in all their glory at the exhibition.

If you’re lucky, you might witness the breathtaking moment when a butterfly emerges from its chrysalis as a fully grown adult – a miraculous transformation that will leave you in awe.

Our garden has been collaborating with a butterfly farm in Stratford-upon-Avon for several years. More than 5,000 chrysalises from dozens of butterfly species will be gradually introduced to the garden.

WHEN AND WHERE

The exhibition will brighten the blooming tropical Fata Morgana Greenhouse from 11 April to 25 May 2025.

Greenhouse Opening Hours (March–October):

The last visitors can enter the greenhouse at 6.30 pm, half an hour before closing.

TIPS FOR A COMFORTABLE VISIT

- Quieter atmosphere – Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded, allowing you to explore the exhibition and other expositions in peace. Mornings are often busy with school groups.

- Busier weekends – Expect more visitors and possible waiting times at the entrance.

- Public transport recommended – Parking is limited, and the path from the parking lot to the Fata Morgana Greenhouse descends through rocky terrain.

- Baby carriers instead of strollers – Strollers are not allowed inside the greenhouse and must be left at the entrance. For a comfortable visit with small children, we recommend using a baby carrier.

- Exhibition Opening Hours – Open Tuesday–Sunday from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm. The last entry to the greenhouse is at 6.30 pm. Closed on Mondays for maintenance.

- E-tickets for faster entry – Skip the ticket line by purchasing your ticket online and head straight to the turnstiles (Czech language only).

ADMISSION

Admission to the exhibition is included in the standard entrance fee to the botanical garden, which covers access to all expositions, exhibitions, and ongoing events (unless otherwise specified).

15% discount on admission when purchasing an e-ticket (Czech language only).

Annual passes, neighborhood passes and VIP tickets are valid for the event.

* Dog entry is permitted only in Outdoor expositions.

** ZTP/P visitors have the option of free accompaniment.

HOW TO GET TO US

The garden is accessible in various ways, but the most convenient is to use public transportation. You can reach the Fata Morgana Greenhouse from the bus stop of bus line No. 234 "Botanická zahrada-Troja".

For a complete overview of how to reach us, including parking information, please click here.

SECRETS OF BUTTERFLY LIFE – Interactive Exhibition on Butterfly Anatomy

Step into the fascinating world of butterflies! This engaging exhibition offers fresh insights into their incredible adaptations. See the world through their eyes, test how their proboscis works, and explore the structure of their wings to uncover the secret behind their stunning colors. Be amazed by microscopic details invisible to the naked eye.

Through the example of the mountain Apollo butterfly, you’ll discover the challenges faced by endangered butterfly species in Czechia and learn why conservation is essential for their survival.

We hope this exhibition will inspire a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting nature in all its diversity.

Location: Exhibition Hall in the Ornamental Garden
Opening hours: Daily, 9.00 am–7.00 pm

WEEKEND CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

On weekends, visitors of all ages can participate in themed creative workshops.

Workshops take place every weekend during the exhibition from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm at the square near the Exhibition Hall in the Ornamental Garden (follow navigation signs).

Fee: 50 CZK for materials (cash payment on-site only – please bring small change).

We look forward to seeing you!