HMNS Attraction
Cockrell Butterfly Center
A Living Butterfly Habitat
The Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology provide entertainment and education for the whole family.
Walk through a living butterfly habitat, marvel at spectacular live and preserved specimens of some of the world’s largest and weirdest arthropods, and enjoy interactive games and quizzes. The Cockrell Butterfly Center is well known for its immersive walk-through butterfly habitat, but there is much more to explore in the world of bugs! Visit the exhibits surrounding the rainforest conservatory for an in-depth look at arthropods.
Explore the fascinating world of insects and arthropods in a hands-on experience that brings science to life. From the delicate dance of emerging butterflies to the intriguing anatomy of the world’s most bizarre bugs, the exhibits offer a captivating journey for curious minds. Whether you’re a budding entomologist or simply fascinated by nature’s tiny wonders, the Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology invite you to discover, learn, and be inspired. Experience the beauty and complexity of these creatures up close, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the often overlooked inhabitants of our planet.
Explore the fascinating world of insects and arthropods in a hands-on experience that brings science to life. From the delicate dance of emerging butterflies to the intriguing anatomy of the world’s most bizarre bugs, the exhibits offer a captivating journey for curious minds. Whether you’re a budding entomologist or simply fascinated by nature’s tiny wonders, the Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology invite you to discover, learn, and be inspired. Experience the beauty and complexity of these creatures up close, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the often overlooked inhabitants of our planet.
Open Today: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Plan a Visit Adults $15, Children $12, Members $8
See Admission Located in Level 1
See Accessibility Please Note:
Cockrell Butterfly Center Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Strollers are not allowed in the Butterfly Center, but there is stroller parking available nearby.
Please be aware that this is a live animal exhibit, which can be overwhelming to service animals.
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Strollers are not allowed in the Butterfly Center, but there is stroller parking available nearby.
Please be aware that this is a live animal exhibit, which can be overwhelming to service animals.
Attraction Highlights
Enchanting butterfly paradise
Rainforest Conservatory
Enter a three-story glass haven with a 50-foot waterfall, home to 1,500 butterflies from global farms. Experience them fluttering, sipping nectar, and even landing on visitors.
Bug’s Life
Explore the Fascinating World of Insects
Dive into the insect universe at the Brown Hall of Entomology. From the anatomy of arthropods to butterflies taking their first flight, it’s a journey through the tiny wonders of nature.
Butterfly flight training
Flight School
Soar into first class with the Cockrell Butterfly Center’s Flight School! Led by a team of expert butterfly flight attendants, you’ll learn what it takes to become an ace butterfly pilot, and release a butterfly of your very own into the Center’s rainforest. Releases are first come, first served and may be purchased inside the rainforest exhibit.
Resources
Monarch Butterflies in Houston
Learn about Monarch Butterflies from the HMNS Cockrell Butterfly Center’s extensive resources, covering everything from endangered status to migration and gardening. The site also features a FAQ section to answer your common questions.
Discover Monarch Resources Pollinator Gardening
Explore the Community Science Garden and the 9 Natives Showcase Garden at the museum grounds to learn about sustainable, pesticide-free habitats for pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Explore Pollinator Gardening Curious? Review the FAQ Guidelines
View All FAQFAQ
Can I take my stroller in to the butterfly center?
Unfortunately strollers and wagons are not allowed in the butterfly center, as they pose an escape risk for butterflies. There is a designated stroller parking area at the entrance to the butterfly center.
Is the butterfly center accessible?
Can I touch the butterflies?
Can I take pictures in the butterfly center?
Can I go in to the butterfly center at any time?
Can I release a butterfly, or adopt one to take home with me?
Guidelines
Guidelines for Cockrell Butterfly Center
- No food or drink allowed inside.
- No strollers or wagons allowed inside.
- Please stay on the pathways and refrain from running.
- Please do not disturb plant beds, butterflies, or other wildlife.
- Please do not remove any plants or animals from the rainforest.
Meet the Curators
Our curators’ combined expertise ranges from A to Z… from archaeology to zoology!
Lauren Davidson
Associate Curator of Entomology, Manager of Cockrell Butterfly Center
As a kid, Lauren visited the Cockrell Butterfly Center when it first opened in 1994. She instantly fell in love with the butterflies and frequently returned throughout her childhood. She continually became more curious about insects and their relatives during her visits, influencing her to pursue