A Bold New Chapter: Butterfly Pavilion and Westminster Unite for the Future

A Bold New Chapter: Butterfly Pavilion and Westminster
Unite for the Future

For 30 years, Butterfly Pavilion has been a place where wonder comes to life. Families, students, nature lovers, and curious minds of all ages have walked through our doors in Westminster, Colorado, and discovered a world of tiny creatures with mighty importance.
Today, we’re thrilled to share a transformational moment in our story, a new partnership with the City of Westminster that will expand our home and amplify our mission. Together, we’re launching a bold new chapter that will grow Butterfly Pavilion into a global destination for conservation, education, and awe-inspiring guest experiences.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
You might know us as “that place with the butterflies.” But did you know invertebrates, animals without backbones like butterflies, bees, spiders, and corals, make up 97% of all animal species on Earth? These tiny creatures pollinate our crops, recycle our nutrients, build healthy soil, and support life as we know it. Without them, ecosystems would collapse. And yet, invertebrates are often overlooked, understudied, and increasingly at risk.
At Butterfly Pavilion, we’ve spent 30 years making sure that doesn’t happen.
From rearing and breeding endangered fireflies in our lab to restoring habitats for monarchs and pollinators, to leading research and policy change, we’ve become a global voice for nature’s most unsung heroes. But the urgency has never been greater. Climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution are pushing invertebrates to the brink.
That’s why this partnership with the City of Westminster is not just about expanding a building, it’s about expanding our impact.

What’s Happening?
Butterfly Pavilion and the City of Westminster have signed a Letter of Intent, with a goal to grow Butterfly Pavilion into a world-class destination that welcomes more visitors from around the world and strengthens Colorado’s economy, while deepening its impact in the community and beyond.
What does that mean for you? It means:

• New immersive exhibits where you’ll step into living ecosystems and experience the magic of invertebrates up close.
• Cutting-edge research labs where our scientists are making groundbreaking impact on the tiny creatures that rule the world!
• Expanded educational programs to reach even more students, families, and lifelong learners.
• A vibrant community space where conservation becomes action and small wonders lead to big change.

And all of this will remain rooted in Westminster, the place we’ve proudly called home since 1995.

What’s Next?
This is the first step in a larger journey. Planning is already underway to develop a long-term strategy that sets the stage for growth, funding opportunities, and a shared vision to build a renowned institution that serves the community and advances efforts to protect and conserve invertebrates and their habitats.
Invertebrates make up 97% of all animal species on Earth and are essential to healthy ecosystems. They pollinate crops, recycle nutrients, support soil and water systems, and sustain life across the planet. Despite their importance, invertebrates are often overlooked and increasingly at risk. This expansion makes it possible to raise awareness and protect these vital creatures at a time when the planet needs it most.
Stay connected with us for updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we’ll build a future where invertebrates are celebrated, protected, and understood, not just in Westminster, but across the planet.

Join Us on This Journey
Our 30th anniversary isn’t just a celebration of the past—it’s a call to action for the future. Whether you’re a member, volunteer, donor, or first-time visitor, you are part of this story.
Learn more and support our efforts by clicking here.