We already knew that the Museum of Natural History was getting a major makeover. What we didn't know was what exactly that would entail. 

Until now.

Behold, an entire Insectarium and a new Butterfly Vivarium, not to be confused with the already-existing Butterfly Conservatory.

Many of you are (hopefully) excited by this. 

I, for one, am having flashbacks to Honey I Shrunk the Kids and that terrible Spongebob episode where Sandy's pet Wormy turned into a butterfly. But this isn't about me.

According to TimeOut NY, "Both galleries will be loaded with interactive, high-tech exhibits while the Vivarium will also have live butterflies flitting about." This initiative is based off the philosophy of the museum as a place of active scientific learning as opposed to simply being for public exhibitions.

Both new additions to the museum will live in the 235,000-square-foot Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation, which is set to open in 2020. 

The first floor will hold the Insectarium, designed for both family and structured school visits. The second floor will be home to the year-round Butterfly Vivarium. 

amnh

To learn more about AMNH's this project, click here!