“Butterflies and Plants: Partners in Evolution,” the Smithsonian’s new long-term exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History…
…opened today in
Aside from the oooh-aaaah factor of so many butterflies, the exhibition uses video and interactive displays to give visitors a look at how butterflies and plants have successfully evolved, adapted and diversified together.
MONARCH SIPS NECTAR FROM A ZINNIA
Inside, the pavilion is kept at a 80 degrees and 80 percent humidity. Tropical plants provide a lush environment for the guest insects. All the walls are curved in order to keep the butterflies from being trapped in corners. Dawn happens gradually for the butterflies in the morning and sunset gradually descends in the evening. All-in-all not a bad way for a butterfly to live.
More than 300 butterflies and moths of more than 30 species and from as far away as
OWL BUTTERFLY
Exhibit curators replenish the supply regularly from shipments of chrysalides from around the world because the butterflies and moths are not allowed to reproduce because of strict USDA regulations. Eggs that are deposited are removed and destroyed.
And now for the controversy…
Of course, nothing happens in
But since the Smithsonian is largely funded by the federal government (about 70%), some people have their panties in a wad about having to pay anything at all to get in. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton has even introduced a bill that would prohibit the institution from charging admission for any permanent exhibition. (I like Eleanor. But this isn’t one of her smartest moves.)
Since I worked in a major art museum for nearly five years, I can speak with some authority when I say that museums all over are struggling. Government support is down and private donations for the arts must compete with a proliferating number of humanitarian causes among donors. And running a museum is a very expensive proposition.
The Smithsonian has been in the news for several years now for the appalling state of some of its aging facilities. Artwork and historic objects don’t just take care of themselves. They must be maintained in climate controlled environments, cleaned and preserved. Security must be provided to keep the treasures and the huge numbers of people who visit them safe.
All that takes money. Sadly, it’s not realistic to think that taxpayers can pony up any more dollars to prop up this wonderful but aging national treasure. The money must come from somewhere. Selected admissions fees seem a sensible idea. It will allow the museums to maintain collections and continue their work to make the national treasures accessible.
The wealth of free attractions in the D.C. area is astounding. But just because something is free, doesn’t mean it doesn’t cost money to maintain.
Climbing down off the soap box now…
Anyway, I digress. If you’re interested in visiting the exhibition, you can learn more about it here. You can also see some of the butterflies from the exhibit in the photo section of this blog.
**Photos were supplied by the National Museum of Natural History
