Up to 30 species of butterflies and caterpillars will be on display. (photo courtesy of NHMLAC)

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County will open the Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum and parts of its 3.5-acre Nature Gardens to the public for limited days and hours starting on Thursday, March 18, with previews for members and invited community partners starting Thursday, March 11.

The outdoor museum experience features up to 30 species of butterflies and caterpillars in a netted enclosure filled with native plants and natural light, and provides spacious pathways to safely connect with nature in the heart of Los Angeles.

The Butterfly Pavilion will be open four days a week, Thursday to Sunday, from 9:40 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is open to non-members Thursdays through Sundays from 11:20 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be open through Sept. 6.

Butterfly Pavilion tickets are $6 and include Nature Garden access before timed entry to the Pavilion. There is no general admission fee to the museum. Passes for NHM’s Car Park must be pre-paid (discounted to $6 and free for members and invited community partners) and will be sold online to avoid in-person transactions or handling of paper, and to be touchless in payment. Cash will be accepted on-site, but touchless transactions are preferred.

While the museum remains closed indoors, NHMLAC has implemented COVID-19-related health and safety protocols in accordance with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California state guidelines to protect visitors, staff and the community.

The store in the Butterfly Pavilion will be open for all visitors to shop for NHM, nature and butterfly-themed gifts and souvenirs. The NHM Grill will be offering a limited assortment of hot grill and grab n’ go menu items and beverages available for purchase.

For details and other information, visit nhm.org/butterflies.