Museum
Cockrell Butterfly Center
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The Cockrell Butterfly Center is a lush, climate-controlled rainforest environment located within the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The centerpiece is a 50-foot-tall glass conservatory teeming with hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world. Visitors walk along winding paths past waterfalls, tropical plants, and a massive kapok tree, while butterflies flutter around them. The center also features a bug zoo with live insects and arachnids, including tarantulas and scorpions. It's an immersive experience that appeals to all ages, offering a chance to see rare species like the blue morpho and owl butterfly up close. The humidity and warmth mimic a real rainforest, so dress accordingly.
Don't miss
- Walk through the butterfly conservatory surrounded by hundreds of free-flying butterflies
- See the bug zoo with live tarantulas, scorpions, and beetles
- Watch butterflies emerge from chrysalises in the emergence window
- Learn about rainforest plants and their adaptations
- Photograph colorful species like the blue morpho and monarch
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Cockrell Butterfly Center
You can visit on your own (paid entry, check official site for current prices. combination tickets with the museum are available). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inMuseum of Fine Arts, Houston All Access Admission Ticket4.6★ · 53 travelers1–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$10 per personSee dates →
Best full daySpace Center Houston Admission Ticket4.1★ · 1,470 travelers~24 hoursFrom$33 per personSee dates →
Top ratedButterfly Sanctuary & Museum Guided Tour in Puerto Vallarta4.9★ · 457 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$28 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Butterflies may land on you if you wear bright colors or floral patterns.
- The conservatory is warm and humid (around 80°F/27°C); dress in layers.
- Photography is allowed, but no flash, it can startle butterflies.
- Do not touch the butterflies; they are fragile.
A bit of history
The Cockrell Butterfly Center opened in 1994 as part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It was named after the Cockrell family, major philanthropists in Houston. The center was designed to educate visitors about rainforest ecosystems and butterfly conservation.
Common questions
How many butterflies are in the center?
There are typically several hundred butterflies from dozens of species.
Can I bring my own food?
No outside food or drink is allowed inside the conservatory.
Is the butterfly center separate from the museum?
It is part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science; you need a ticket that includes the center.
Are there guided tours?
Self-guided visits are standard, but docents are often available to answer questions.
What happens in winter?
The center is open year-round; butterflies are shipped in from farms to maintain population.
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