KEY INFORMATION AND DETAILS

Every spring, the Fata Morgana Greenhouse comes alive with hundreds of butterflies in flight. Their colourful wings brighten the space, while visitors gain a fascinating glimpse into their lives. As in previous years, the event features two exhibitions that together offer an unforgettable experience and new insights into the world of butterflies.

The main part of the programme takes place in the Fata Morgana Greenhouse, where tropical butterflies fly freely among the plants. The accompanying exhibition, Secrets of Butterfly Life, is located in the Exhibition Hall in the Ornamental Garden.

This interactive exhibition extends the main greenhouse exposition and offers you the opportunity to learn more about butterfly life and the importance of protecting nature.

This year’s exhibition in the greenhouse is titled The Art of Survival. Although butterflies may appear fragile, they use a wide range of ingenious strategies throughout their life cycle to evade predators and ensure the continuation of their species. Their eggs remain carefully hidden. Caterpillars blend perfectly with their surroundings or mimic twigs or bird droppings, while chrysalises rely on remarkable camouflage among leaves, bark and wood.

Adult butterflies are far from defenceless. They can warn predators with striking colours, confuse them with eye-like patterns on their wings, or blend into their surroundings. Their unpredictable flight also helps them escape danger.

During your visit, you may also witness the extraordinary moment when an adult butterfly emerges from its chrysalis — one of the most memorable experiences of the entire exhibition.

The Botanical Garden has long collaborated with a butterfly farm in Stratford-upon-Avon, from where more than 5,500 chrysalises representing several dozen species from around the world will gradually arrive during the exhibition.

WHERE TO SEE THE BUTTERFLIES

The exhibition takes place in the tropical Fata Morgana Greenhouse and the Exhibition Hall in the Ornamental Garden from 2 April to 17 May 2026.

Opening hours of the Fata Morgana Greenhouse:

The last entry to the greenhouse is at 6.30 pm, 30 minutes before closing.

TIPS FOR A COMFORTABLE VISIT

• A quieter atmosphere – Weekday afternoons are usually less busy, so that you can explore the exhibition and other garden expositions at a relaxed pace. In the mornings, the greenhouse often hosts school and children’s group visits.
  • Weekends are busier – Please expect a higher number of visitors and possible waiting times at the entrance to the greenhouse.
  • Use public transport if possible – Parking capacity is limited, and the route from the Botanical Garden parking lot to the Fata Morgana Greenhouse involves hilly terrain.
  • Baby carriers instead of prams – Prams cannot be taken into the greenhouse and must be left outside the entrance. For a more comfortable visit with small children, we recommend using a baby carrier.
  • Exhibition opening hours – The exhibition is open Tuesday–Sunday from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm, with last entry at 6.30 pm. On Mondays (except public holidays), the Fata Morgana Greenhouse and the butterfly exhibition are closed for maintenance.
  • Faster entry with an e-ticket (Website in Czech only) – With an online ticket, you can skip the ticket desk and proceed directly through the turnstiles into the garden. Please note that an e-ticket does not guarantee priority access to the greenhouse. If a queue forms, you will need to wait in line.

ADMISSION

Admission to the exhibition is included in the standard entrance fee to the Botanical Garden, which covers access to all expositions, exhibitions, and ongoing events (unless otherwise specified).

15% discount on admission when purchasing an e-ticket (Czech language only).
Annual passes and VIP tickets are valid for this event.
* ZTP/P visitors have the option of free accompaniment.
**Dogs are only allowed in Outdoor Expositions.

Prams are not permitted inside the Fata Morgana Greenhouse during the butterfly exhibition. Please leave them in the designated area before entering.

HOW TO GET TO US

The garden is easily accessible, with public transport being the most convenient option. Full details on travel and parking are available here.

SECRETS OF BUTTERFLY LIFE – Interactive exhibition exploring butterfly anatomy

This interactive exhibition offers a completely new perspective on the fascinating world of butterflies. See the world through the eyes of these delicate creatures, try how their proboscis (feeding tube) works and explore the structure of their wings, revealing the secrets behind their remarkable colours. Discover microscopic details normally invisible to the naked eye. You will also learn about the life story of the scarce large blue butterfly, a species threatened in its natural environment that needs our protection.

We hope this exhibition will introduce you to many fascinating aspects of butterfly life and help highlight the importance of protecting nature in all its beauty.

The exhibition Secrets of Butterfly Life is located in the Exhibition Hall in the Ornamental Garden.

Opening hours: daily 9.00 am–7.00 pm.

Weekend Creative Workshops (Czech language only)

During weekends and public holidays throughout the exhibition, you can take part in a range of creative themed workshops.

Workshops take place from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm on the terrace in front of the Fata Morgana Greenhouse (signage in the garden will guide you there).

Material costs start from 50 CZK, payable in cash on site (small change appreciated).

We look forward to welcoming you!