Audubon Insectarium
Discover a world of fascinating insects, from vibrant butterflies to unique edible treats, in this engaging New Orleans museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Audubon Insectarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a world of fascinating insects, from vibrant butterflies to unique edible treats, in this engaging New Orleans museum.
"The butterfly room is beautiful and truly a unique experience."
🦋 Butterfly Room Bliss
The butterfly room is a highlight! Allow ample time to wander and enjoy the beauty.
🦗 Taste the Adventure
Don't shy away from the Bug Café; trying insect snacks is a unique and memorable experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Butterfly Garden
Main Hall
A vibrant sanctuary filled with hundreds of fluttering butterflies, offering a truly immersive and beautiful experience.
Honeypot Ant Colony
Exhibits
Witness these incredible ants store food in their own bodies, acting as living larders for the colony.
Bug Café
Food Area
Dare to try unique snacks featuring edible insects, like cookies with crickets or Cajun-flavored options.
Emperor Scorpion
Nocturnal Exhibits
See one of the world's largest scorpions, which famously glows under ultraviolet light.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Maximum Wonder
Value Beyond the Butterflies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦋 Butterfly Room Bliss
The butterfly room is a highlight! Allow ample time to wander and enjoy the beauty.
🦗 Taste the Adventure
Don't shy away from the Bug Café; trying insect snacks is a unique and memorable experience.
💡 Interactive Learning
Engage with the exhibits; staff are knowledgeable and offer great educational insights.
🎟️ Combo Tickets
Consider combo tickets with the Aquarium for a full day of exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦋 Butterfly Room Bliss
The butterfly room is a highlight! Allow ample time to wander and enjoy the beauty.
🦗 Taste the Adventure
Don't shy away from the Bug Café; trying insect snacks is a unique and memorable experience.
💡 Interactive Learning
Engage with the exhibits; staff are knowledgeable and offer great educational insights.
🎟️ Combo Tickets
Consider combo tickets with the Aquarium for a full day of exploration.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture stunning photos, especially in the butterfly garden and with unique insect displays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Audubon Insectarium to be a small but mighty attraction, with the Butterfly Garden consistently praised as a beautiful and unique experience. While some note it can be pricey for its size, many find the educational value and interactive elements, like the Bug Café, make it a worthwhile visit, especially for families.
"Small but mighty. I mean, insects are small, so you can't expect it to take a lot of space right? The butterfly room is beautiful and truly a unique experience. The bug cafe is awesome too! You get to try eating a food with bugs in it - the cookies re my favorite."
Tanya Straus (Alimova)
"This place is an amazing location for families or anyone who wants to learn more about Insects. I have been to many butterfly exhibits and this by far is the best one I have ever been too for the amount of butterflies flying around. Additionally the other insects were fascinating and there was plenty to see. The signage was informative and easy to read/comprehend. Well done and a must to visit!"
Sharon Ernst
"I loved everything about this insectrium. It was beyond what I expected. Learned a lot, saw a lot. The staff were great. Engaging and offered education. For a weekend visit not overly crowded. Was able to see all the insects before heading to see the butterflies. All in all this was worth the money. I bought both aquarium and insectarium and having been at a larger aquarium personally the highlight for me was the insectarium. Definitely a great visit for children and adults."
Meron Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Audubon Insectarium is located in the U.S. Custom House in the French Quarter. It's accessible by car, public transportation, or a pleasant walk if you're staying nearby. Parking is available in nearby garages.
Yes, there are several parking garages within walking distance of the Insectarium. Rates can vary, so it's good to check options beforehand.
Absolutely! New Orleans has a robust streetcar system, and several lines stop close to the French Quarter, making it easy to reach the Insectarium via public transit.
Yes, the Insectarium is generally stroller-friendly, with ramps and elevators to navigate between levels.
Many visitors find walking or using ride-sharing services convenient for exploring the French Quarter and reaching attractions like the Insectarium. Streetcars are also a charming and affordable option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's often recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. Combo tickets with the Audubon Aquarium are also available and can offer savings.
While not always available, keep an eye out for special promotions or free museum days, particularly in September. Checking the official Audubon Nature Institute website is your best bet.
The Insectarium's hours can change seasonally, so it's crucial to check the official Audubon Nature Institute website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the door, but buying online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
Yes, the Audubon Insectarium and Audubon Aquarium are now located together and often offered as a combined ticket, providing access to both attractions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the stunning Butterfly Garden, the fascinating Honeypot Ant Colony, and the chance to try edible insects at the Bug Café. The Emperor Scorpion is also a popular draw. +1
Absolutely! The interactive exhibits, colorful butterflies, and unique insect encounters make it a fantastic experience for children of all ages.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the Insectarium, depending on how much time they dedicate to each exhibit, especially the butterfly garden.
Yes, the Insectarium offers several interactive elements, including opportunities to learn about insect anatomy, observe feeding times, and even taste edible insects.
Yes, many exhibits feature live insects, allowing you to observe their behaviors up close, from ants working in their colonies to beetles and other fascinating creatures.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Bug Café offers a unique dining experience where you can try snacks made with edible insects, such as cookies and Cajun-flavored crickets.
The Bug Café serves a variety of snacks featuring edible insects, including cookies, chips, and other creative preparations. It's a great way to experience entomophagy.
While the Bug Café focuses on insect-based snacks, other dining options might be available nearby in the French Quarter. It's best to check for current offerings.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the Insectarium. It's best to consume them before entering or plan to purchase food from the onsite café.
The Insectarium is located in the heart of the French Quarter, offering a vast array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit every taste and budget.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Audubon Insectarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the insects.
The Butterfly Garden is incredibly photogenic, as are the colorful displays of various insects. The unique exhibits offer many opportunities for striking shots.
While personal photography is usually permitted, professional photography or videography may require special permits. Always check for any posted signage regarding photo restrictions.
You can photograph exhibits freely. If you wish to photograph staff members, it's always polite to ask for their permission first.
A camera with a good macro lens is ideal for capturing the intricate details of insects. However, even a smartphone can take great photos, especially in good lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Don't miss the chance to try edible insects at the Bug Café – it's a fun and memorable adventure for kids (and brave parents!). The staff are often noted for being engaging and educational, making the learning experience enjoyable for everyone.
🧐 Curious Explorers & Learners
From the intricate social structures of ant colonies to the camouflage of stick insects, there's always something new to discover. The Bug Café also offers a unique perspective on entomology and sustainable food practices.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the butterflies, many of the insect displays offer unique subjects. The Emperor Scorpion under UV light or the detailed textures of various beetles can make for dramatic and captivating photographs. Remember to check for any flash restrictions to protect the inhabitants.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of the Butterfly Garden
This enclosed space allows for hundreds of butterflies to fly freely, offering unparalleled opportunities for observation and photography. The vibrant colors and graceful movements of these winged insects provide a serene escape and a chance to witness a delicate ecosystem up close. It's consistently cited as one of the most memorable aspects of a visit.
Culinary Adventures at the Bug Café
This is more than just a novelty; it's an educational opportunity to explore sustainable food sources. Many visitors find the insect snacks surprisingly tasty, with the cookies being a particular favorite. It's a chance to challenge your palate and try something truly different during your visit.
Beyond Butterflies: Fascinating Insect Exhibits
You can also encounter impressive creatures like the Emperor Scorpion, one of the largest scorpion species globally, which has the fascinating characteristic of glowing under ultraviolet light.
Other exhibits feature a variety of beetles, walking sticks, and other arthropods, providing a comprehensive look at the insect world and its incredible biodiversity. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit