Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Since 1907
Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Frederik Meijer Gardens launched annual ‘Butterflies are Blooming’ exhibition

Photo+courtesy+Wikimedia+Commons+user+Jeffness
Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons user Jeffness

Guests will be able to take in over 7,000 different butterflies at the exhibit, which is set up in the tropical conservatory of the gardens and ends on April 30. According to the Frederik Meijer Gardens website, that makes “Butterflies are Blooming” the largest temporary butterfly exhibit in the nation.

The exhibit will include over 40 different butterfly species from all over the world. But they won’t all be out on display at once; new chrysalises will arrive each week. They will then be set up in the Butterfly Bungalow, where guests will be able to observe the new butterflies emerging from their chrysalises before they are released into the exhibit.

In honor of the special exhibit, Frederik Meijer Gardens has also extended its hours on Tuesday nights, keeping its doors open until 9 p.m. This way, guests can check out the exhibit by night for a different experience.

There will also be special educational events and promotions throughout the duration of the exhibit, including a butterfly ballet entitled, “Who am I?” The ballet is choreographed by Attila Mosolygo and performed by the Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company. It will take place on March 22, with showtimes at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

According to an article on MLive.com, the ballet will tell the story of a newborn butterfly that wonders what type of creature it has become. After meeting several other butterflies, the young butterfly realizes what it is and discovers its place in the world.

The Frederik Meijer Gardens website promises that the story will “captivate young and old alike” with its “colorful costumes, spectacular music and exquisite choreography.”

Entrance to the ballet is $5 for members and $8 for non-members. Tickets to the butterfly exhibit cost $9 for students with an ID.

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