ZooLouisiana, US

Audubon Insectarium

The Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans offers an extraordinary journey into the fascinating world of insects, transforming perceptions with its engaging exhibits.

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About

The Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans offers an extraordinary journey into the fascinating world of insects, transforming perceptions with its engaging exhibits. This vibrant destination showcases the incredible diversity and ecological importance of arthropods, from mesmerizing butterflies to industrious ants, providing an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.

Explore over 50 live exhibits, where you can marvel at leafcutter ant colonies diligently at work, observe the intricate beauty of Hercules beetles, and encounter a variety of praying mantises, centipedes, and tarantulas. A highlight is the breathtaking Butterfly Garden, a Japanese-inspired oasis filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies representing over 20 species from rainforests around the world, creating a truly serene and colorful experience. You can even get up close to butterflies as they may land gently on visitors.

Beyond observation, the Insectarium encourages sensory engagement, inviting guests to use all five senses. Dare to sample exotic insect cuisine at the "Bug Appétit" exhibit, where bug chefs prepare unique dishes like crispy Cajun crickets and chocolate "chirp" cookies, challenging palates with nutritious and surprisingly delicious entomophagy. The venue emphasizes the ecological importance of insects, making it a memorable and thought-provoking visit that deepens appreciation for these vital creatures. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

The Audubon Insectarium originally opened on June 13, 2008, in the U.S. Custom House Federal Building, quickly gaining recognition and receiving the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in a Science Center in 2009. It was recognized as the largest free-standing American museum dedicated to insects, featuring over 50 live exhibits. In September 2020, the Insectarium temporarily closed due to revenue shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. After a $41 million renovation project, the Audubon Insectarium reopened on June 8, 2023, relocating to a new riverfront home alongside the Audubon Aquarium, where it now shares a single facility. This move allows both attractions to offer a combined and enhanced visitor experience.

What to do here

Walk through the lush Butterfly Garden and observe butterflies up close.

* Dare to try edible insect dishes at Bug Appétit.

* See diverse live arthropods in over 50 displays, including Hercules beetles, praying mantises, and tarantulas.

* Interact with exhibits that emphasize the ecological importance of insects.

Seasonal info

New Orleans experiences warm weather for much of the year. The indoor nature of the Insectarium makes it a comfortable visit regardless of outside temperatures. Seasonal events might include special culinary offerings at Bug Appétit, such as cricket King Cakes during Mardi Gras season.

Accessibility

The building is handicap accessible, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available. Strollers are permitted.

Don't miss

Butterfly Garden

A serene, Japanese-inspired garden with hundreds of free-flying butterflies from various rainforests.

Bug Appétit

An adventurous culinary experience where visitors can sample edible insects.

Leafcutter Ant Colonies

Observe these industrious ants at work in their intricate habitat.

Metamorphosis Gallery

Witness the various stages of butterfly and insect life cycles, including emerging butterflies.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Brown Anole

Duck

House Sparrow

Snap map for this place

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Good to know before you go

Consider purchasing combo tickets with the Audubon Aquarium to save money, as both attractions are now in the same building.

Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays to avoid peak crowds, especially in popular exhibits like the Butterfly Garden.

Wear bright clothing, particularly red, if you hope for butterflies to land on you in the Butterfly Garden.

Don't hesitate to try the edible insects at "Bug Appétit" for a truly unique and memorable experience.

Allow for extra time if visiting during school field trip season, as some areas may be more congested.

Photography is allowed, so bring your camera to capture the vibrant insects and exhibits.

Frequently asked questions

: The Audubon Insectarium is now located at 1 Canal Street in New Orleans, in the same building as the Audubon Aquarium, following its reopening in June 2023.
: Yes, the Audubon Insectarium features the "Bug Appétit" exhibit where visitors can discover and taste edible insect cuisine prepared by bug chefs, including items like crispy Cajun crickets and chocolate "chirp" cookies.
: The Butterfly Garden houses hundreds of free-flying butterflies, representing over 20 distinct species from rainforests around the world. These include beautiful blue butterflies that can be quite large.