Meijer Gardens Hosts Beloved 'Butterflies are Blooming' Exhibit

Annual spring event features thousands of butterflies from around the world.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan is hosting its popular 'Butterflies are Blooming' exhibit, which showcases around 7,000 butterflies from Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America over the course of the exhibition. The event, which coincides with Spring Break, also features special events like Butterfly Photography, Spring Nights Bourbon and Butterflies, and Butterfly Ballet.

Why it matters

The annual 'Butterflies are Blooming' exhibit at Meijer Gardens is a beloved tradition that draws visitors from across the region to experience the beauty and wonder of thousands of live butterflies. The event highlights the garden's commitment to conservation and education, while also providing a unique springtime attraction for families and nature enthusiasts.

The details

According to John VanderHaagen of Meijer Gardens, the exhibit will feature around 7,000 butterflies total, with 1,250 new chrysalids arriving each week from various parts of the world. In addition to the butterflies, the event will also host special programming like Butterfly Photography, Spring Nights Bourbon and Butterflies, and Butterfly Ballet.

  • The 'Butterflies are Blooming' exhibit is underway and runs through the Spring Break season.

The players

Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

A 158-acre botanical garden and sculpture park located in Grand Rapids, Michigan that features a variety of exhibits and events focused on nature, art, and conservation.

John VanderHaagen

A representative from Meijer Gardens who provided details about the 'Butterflies are Blooming' exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“Throughout the course of the exhibition, we'll have about 7,000 butterflies total. They come to us from all around the world. So Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, we're getting in about 1,250 different chrysalids every week.”

— John VanderHaagen (wsjm.com)

The takeaway

The annual 'Butterflies are Blooming' exhibit at Meijer Gardens is a must-see springtime event that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of thousands of live butterflies from around the world. The exhibit's educational programming and conservation efforts make it a unique and valuable experience for the local community.