Butterfly House 40th Celebration
Melbourne Zoo’s Butterfly House is turning 40!
It's a big moment for one of the Zoo's most beloved and iconic exhibits - and everyone's invited!
To celebrate, theatre ensemble Born In a Taxi will put on an interactive, family-friendly show with costumes and puppets, diving into the magical world of insects and pollinators.
What is the Butterfly House Show?
A playful and engaging performance installation designed for children and families.
- Meet a performer dressed as a giant praying mantis
- Interact with a caterpillar puppet
- Create your own butterfly using recycled chip packets
History of the Butterfly House
The Melbourne Zoo Butterfly House has been a popular attraction since its original glass structure, designed by Lyon Hilbert, opened in 1985. It maintains a warm, humid environment year-round to support the flourishing of hundreds of butterflies.
Over the years, the exhibit has undergone improvements, including a 2002 extension to enhance the visitor experience with new entry/exit tunnels and displays. Housing around 10 to 13 species of colourful native butterflies, predominantly from tropical North Queensland and the Northern Territory, the house is a unique part of the zoo that focuses on the intriguing life cycle and conservation of these tiny but important pollinators.
Join us in celebrating the Butterfly House's 40th anniversary on Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December.