Discover the Enchanting Butterflies of Troja Botanical Garden

This year’s butterfly exhibition at the Botanical Garden of the City of Prague highlights the amazing connection between plants and these beautiful pollinators. Unlike bees, which actively gather pollen primarily using pollen pockets on their legs, butterflies transport pollen in a more passive manner. They utilize their entire body for this purpose, enabling them to reach a broader area and pollinate flowers that are spaced far apart. Butterflies are renowned as experts at pollinating flowers that are difficult for others to access. For example, lichen beetles can access long tubular flowers or orchid blooms with extended spurs thanks to their lengthy snouts, making them essential allies in nature. Attraction is key, especially in the romantic lives of butterflies. Some species, like the tropical martins, are known to cover great distances in search of mates, and you can see them showcased beautifully at the exhibition.

At the exhibition, you can also explore the interactive showcase Secrets of butterfly life, which offers an exciting new view into the enchanting world of butterflies. Attendees can see the world as butterflies see it, learn about how a butterfly’s snout works, and observe the structure of wings under a microscope, revealing the stunning reasons behind their vivid colors. You’ll also discover information about endangered butterfly species in our environment, particularly focusing on species like the red-eyed jason, through a panel exhibition developed in collaboration with the JARO group. Additionally, those interested can participate in a census of day-flying butterflies during an event referred to as Butterfly Half Hour. On weekends, there will be various themed workshops where visitors can engage in different creative activities;

Live Transformation

Every year the Botanical Garden Prague orders over 5000 chrysalises from numerous species of tropical butterflies. The first shipments arrive in Prague well before the exhibition kicks off, allowing visitors to enjoy the captivating beauty of butterfly wings from the start. Those who are attentive and patient might even witness the breathtaking moment a butterfly hatches from its chrysalis, sometimes aided by a gentle human touch.

These butterfly chrysalises are delivered to the Botanical Garden nicely sealed in insulated boxes. Once they arrive, the chrysalises are unpacked, sorted by species, and carefully glued to wooden sticks by garden staff using a special adhesive. These sticks are then placed inside glass cases in the greenhouse. The gluing process must be very gentle to avoid harming the chrysalis and ensure the butterfly can safely emerge. After the butterfly hatches, it expels excess fluid (the meconium) and slowly opens its wings, which need sufficient time to dry and unfurl. Beautiful new specimens then take flight from the display cases. Throughout the exhibition, the butterflies mate, so onlookers might spot adhered eggs and caterpillars. Attentive visitors will have the chance to observe the entire life cycle of butterflies.

When to Visit the Greenhouse?

The Fata Morgana Tropical Greenhouse will host the butterfly exhibition starting from April 11, and it will continue for six weeks, closing on May 25, 2025. You can buy tickets directly from the ticket office, but to ensure a smoother experience for visitors, the Botanical Garden recommends utilizing online ticket sales through their shop. Experience has shown that it’s best to plan your visit for times when the exhibition is fully open; on weekends, be prepared for higher attendance, which, due to the limited capacity of the Fata Morgana greenhouse, can result in long waiting times to enter.

• • A calmer atmosphere – Weekday afternoons typically see fewer visitors, allowing for a more relaxed experience as you explore the exhibition and other displays. Mornings are often reserved for school and children’s guided tours in the greenhouse.

• • Weekends may be busier – Expect larger crowds and potential delays at the entrance.

• • If possible, consider using PUBLIC TRANSPORT – Parking space is limited, and the route from the parking area to the Fata Morgana greenhouse can be quite hilly.

• • Consider a baby carrier instead of a stroller – Strollers cannot be taken into the greenhouse and must be left at the entrance. For a more comfortable visit with small children, a baby carrier is recommended.

• • Exhibition hours – The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Fata Morgana greenhouse and exhibition are closed on Mondays (service day). The last entry to the greenhouse is at 6:30 PM.

• • Quicker entry with e-tickets – By purchasing an online ticket, you can bypass the ticket office queues and go directly through the turnstiles. However, please note that while the e-ticket allows for faster entry, it does not guarantee immediate access to the greenhouse.

Exhibition Overview

• Event Description:
  The exhibition showcases hundreds of butterfly species from tropical regions and Europe. It offers an immersive experience where visitors can gain a unique perspective of the world from a butterfly’s point of view.

• Unique Features:

  • Explore the detailed structure of butterfly wings using a microscope.

  • Experiment with a butterfly’s snout to understand its function in the pollination process.

  • Learn about how butterflies passively carry pollen across a variety of plants.

Event Schedule

• Exhibition Dates:

  • Start: April 11, 2025

  • End: May 25, 2025

• Greenhouse Operating Hours:

  • Days Open: Tuesday to Sunday

  • Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

  • Closed: Mondays

Visitor Guidelines

• Stroller Policy:

  • Strollers are not permitted inside the Fata Morgana greenhouse and must be left outside the entrance.

  • For a more enjoyable visit with small children, it is recommended to use a carrier instead of a stroller.