WHEATON, Md. – The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens is returning to Montgomery Parks this spring. Formerly known as Wings of Fancy, the exhibit is relaunching on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 10 a.m., and runs through Sunday, September 21, 2025. Advanced timed tickets go on sale Monday, March 3.
Visitors to the seasonal exhibit will get an intimate, up-close look at hundreds of brilliant live butterflies from North America, Costa Rica, Africa, and Asia as they flutter among colorful flowers throughout Brookside Gardens’ South Conservatory. Trained staff and volunteers will highlight the stages of metamorphosis, the important role butterflies play in healthy ecosystems, and how to ensure these beautiful insects thrive in our own gardens.
“We’re very excited The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens is back, and we know the community is, too,” said Stephanie Oberle, director of Brookside Gardens. “The exhibit is better than ever. Visitors will be immersed in a dazzling display of butterflies from around the world while learning the important roles these pollinators play in a variety of ecosystems. We can’t wait for everyone to visit.”
Brookside Gardens is currently seeking volunteers to staff The Butterfly Experience. For more details about the volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit the Volunteer Services Office webpage.
Butterfly Experience Details
WHAT: The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens Conservatory
1500 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD
(Additional parking is available at 1800 Glenallan Ave.)
WHEN: Thursday, April 10 to Sunday, September 21, 2025
- April-June: September: Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (last ticket sold at 3:20 p.m.)
- July-August: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (last ticket sold at 12:20 p.m.); Weekends, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (last ticket sold at 3:20 p.m.)
TICKETS: $9 (ages 3-12); $14 (ages 13 and older), children under 3 are free but do require tickets. Tickets are available to purchase online in advance through Ticketsauce or can be purchased onsite through a QR code.
About Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens is a 50-acre horticultural display garden with intricately designed landscapes, permanent and seasonal displays, and two conservatories. Throughout the year, the Gardens welcome more than one million visitors to engaging programs and events for children and adults, including the summer live butterfly exhibit and winter light display. Learn more at www.brooksidegardens.org
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
Accessibility at Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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