Schmetterlinghaus, Butterfly house in Burggarten, Vienna, Austria
The Schmetterlinghaus is a glass pavilion in the Burggarten containing more than 400 butterflies from about 40 species that fly freely among waterfalls, tropical plants, and wooden bridges. The space is designed to be warm and humid, mimicking the living conditions these insects need.
The current building was created in Art Nouveau style as part of the Hofburg complex and replaced an earlier glasshouse from the 1820s. The restoration of this place brings together historical architecture with modern conservation.
The house shows how nature can be cultivated in a city and attracts visitors who want to watch butterflies up close. Its location in the Burggarten connects this place to Vienna's imperial gardens and makes it a green retreat in the heart of the city.
Inside there is constantly high temperature and humidity, so visitors should wear light clothing or leave jackets in the cloakroom. The path through the house is well marked and butterflies can be observed from several levels.
Visitors can follow the different life stages of butterflies as they emerge from their pupae, particularly impressive with the large Atlas moths. This live observation turns the visit into a lesson in nature.
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