Smithsonian Institution's Insect Zoo and Butterfly Pavilion

When I was a little girl, I loved insects, so I was thrilled when I found out that Smithsonian Institution was putting in a wing dedicated to insects in their Museum of Natural History. I wrote a letter to the head of the project, and was so excited to get a letter back, inviting me to tour their facilities. When we got there, the curator let me go behind the scenes and even let me hold the Madagascar Hissing Roaches.
They now have volunteers at the Insect Zoo, who regularly let guests hold the exotic insects. And now, this week, I took my boys to see the Insect zoo, and I had to smile when the volunteer asked me if I wanted to hold the Madagascar Hissing Roach. I felt transported back in time and, for a moment, I was that little girl, full of wonder again.
One of my student had the most amazing experience.
 We went in the Butterfly Pavilion and a butterfly landed on his forehead! The most amazing part is that he stayed there contentedly for quite some time much to the delight of everyone there.


Note: Tickets are required for the Butterfly Pavilion. The tickets are $6 for Adults, and $5 for Children (2 to 12) except on Tuesdays, when there is no charge - but free timed-entry tickets are required and are available at the Butterfly Pavilion Box Office each Tuesday beginning at 10:00 am. This is subject to change, so be sure to check online before your trip.

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