Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is an insectarium and entomology museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. With more than 50 live exhibits and numerous multimedia elements, the 23000sqft facility is the largest free-standing American museum dedicated to insects.The Butterfly Garden and Insectarium opened on June 13, 2008. In 2009, it was awarded the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in a Science Center.Part of the Audubon Nature Institute complex, it is located on the first floor of the U.S. Custom House Federal Building.Exhibits and attractionsUnderground GalleryGiant animatronic insects and oversized exhibits give guests a bug's eye view of the insect world.Louisiana Swamp GalleryThe sights and sounds of the Louisiana wetlands are depicted with aquatic animals and special effects.Termite GalleryFormosan termites can be seen eating through a wooden skyline of New Orleans.Butterfly GardenA garden populated by hundreds of live butterflies with which guests can interact.Metamorphosis GalleryA working husbandry lab where an insect's entire life cycle is depicted.Hall of Fame GalleryPreserved examples of some of the world's biggest, fastest, and most impressive insects.Awards NightA comic film with animated insect characters voiced by Jay Leno, Joan Rivers, and Brad Garrett. Awards Night takes visitors to a red carpet event for bugs; the experience is enhanced by special in-theater effects and animated seats.
