The museum operates under the Chicago Academy of Sciences, which was established in 1857 as the city's first scientific organization.
The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven maintains a constant tropical environment of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 percent humidity year-round.
The building itself achieved LEED Silver certification for its environmentally sustainable design features.
The museum houses a 'Citizen Science' program where visitors can contribute to real-world data collection for researchers.
The exterior architecture incorporates native landscaping and a rain garden designed to filter runoff into the nearby North Pond.
The museum’s collection includes over 380,000 scientific specimens, ranging from preserved insects to paleontological finds.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum serves as the primary educational center for the Chicago Academy of Sciences, focusing on the natural history and ecology of the Illinois region. It features the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, a 2,700-square-foot glass structure housing over 1,000 live butterflies from around the world. The museum's permanent exhibits include interactive displays on urban wildlife, regional geology, and environmental sustainability. It is integrated into the surrounding Lincoln Park landscape, emphasizing the connection between the city and native ecosystems. The facility serves as a research hub for local conservation projects, including butterfly monitoring and habitat restoration programs.
The interior of the butterfly greenhouse provides high-contrast macro photography opportunities.
Visit the butterfly haven in the morning when the insects are most active.
Check the museum's calendar for scheduled 'Butterfly Releases' where you can watch new butterflies being introduced to the haven.
Allow extra time to walk the surrounding North Pond Nature Boardwalk for wild bird spotting.
Do not attempt to catch or handle butterflies in the sanctuary; they are delicate and easily injured.
Closed on certain holidays; check official website for seasonal community free days.
Maintain a quiet tone inside the Butterfly Haven to avoid startling the animals; do not touch the butterflies.
