Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory: butterflies and nature on Duval Street

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is a space dedicated to observing butterflies and birds in a tropical setting, located at 1316 Duval Street, Key West, Florida. Its main attraction is a glass-domed habitat where visitors stroll among hundreds of free-flying butterflies, exotic birds and two flamingos.

A tropical glass habitat

The conservatory houses a soaring glass-enclosed habitat that recreates a rainforest-like environment. Inside, 50 to 60 varieties of butterflies from around the world fly freely, along with exotic birds and two flamingos named Rhett and Scarlett. The route is designed so that visitors walk among the plants and free-flying animals.

Education and gallery

The space includes a gallery and educational displays that explain the role of butterflies in nature, with special attention to the monarch butterfly life cycle. The Wings of Imagination gallery exhibits original artwork by artist Sam Trophia, featuring acrylic shadow boxes that preserve butterflies in compositions of varied colors, shapes and sizes.

Gift shop

The venue has a gift shop with butterfly- and nature-related items. The shop is also available online through the website.

Awards

The conservatory notes it has been chosen “Best Place to Take the Kids” and “Best Attraction in Key West”.

Hours and access

The conservatory is open from 9:00 to 17:00, with last admission at 16:30. The gift shop is open from 9:00 to 17:30. On holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it closes at 14:00 and the last ticket is sold at 13:30. There is ample paid parking next to the building, and visitors mention free parking behind the garden, to the left of the building.

Visitor experience

Collected reviews highlight the variety of butterflies and birds, the chance to see the flamingos up close and the suitability for all ages. Staff are also mentioned as friendly and informative, and the gift shop as an added attraction.

Location and contact

1316 Duval Street, Key West, Florida 33040 · Phone: 305-296-2988 · Email: info@keywestbutterfly.com