May 7 — June 6, 2026
Head to the tropics to celebrate two of MPM's groundbreaking and immersive exhibits, Rainforest and the Puelicher Butterfly Vivarium, which showcase some of the planet's most beautiful biodiversity—using both recreated and real specimens!
Special Events
The Intro: Rainforest & Butterflies
Thursday, May 7, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During this kickoff celebration of the Rainforest & Butterflies Greatest Hit, stop by the following Education stations. Admission to the Museum is FREE for Kohl's Thank You Thursday!
Life Up Close
Step into the lab and get to know the world up close... Very close! Learn about what makes butterflies special and what lives in a sloth's fur, while practicing using microscopes.
Located in Rainforest on the First Floor
Monarch Migration
May 2 marked National Start Seeing Monarchs Day. Learn more about one of the most recognizable butterfly species across the Americas as they finish their journey to Wisconsin from Michoacan, Mexico.
Located behind Sense of Wonder on the First Floor
Chocolate: From Bean to Bar
Explore the science and cultural significance of chocolātl in the Americas. Learn more about how this product of the rainforest has made its way into so many of our lives.
Located behind Sense of Wonder on the First Floor
Guided Exhibit Tour: Bird Secrets, Revealed!
Have you ever wondered how birds can fly or why they are often compared to dinosaurs? During this guided exhibit tour, explore the secrets of birds, including the many species that call the rainforest home.
Located in Rainforest on the First Floor
Storytimes and Activities for Early Learners
Families with young children (recommended for ages 3-6) are invited to join Museum Educators for hands-on activities and storytimes celebrating topics related to the rainforest and butterflies.
Located in the Ground Floor Early Learning Classroom
Adult Trivia Night: Rainforest & Butterflies Edition
Thursday, May 28, 2026
7 - 9 p.m.
Are you a proud Museum person? Test your knowledge at Adult Trivia Night! The evening will consist of four rounds representing Botany, Anthropology/History, Geology, and Zoology, with an overall theme of the rainforest and butterflies. Bring your friends and compete for bragging rights and prizes as the MPM Trivia Champ!
Cost and Reservations
$10 members; $15 public
Cash bar available. 21+ event; IDs will be checked at the door.
Sustainer+ member presale begins April 10. Tickets available to general public April 15 at 10 a.m.
The Finale: Creepy-Crawly Day
Saturday, April 11, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During this closeout celebration of the Rainforest & Butterflies Greatest Hit, visitors can stop by the below interactive stations as we explore the wonderful world of bugs and share why we should all be thankful for—rather than creeped out by—insects and other invertebrates around us!
Bug Patrol
Stop by for a meet-and-greet with the stars of the day's show! A few of MPM's live insects and arthropods will be ready for their close-ups in the Bug's Alive! exhibit. Get the chance to carefully hold them!
Located in Bug's Alive! on the First Floor
Edible Insects
Did you know that at least 2 billion people around the world eat insects as part of their diet? Learn about this sustainable practice and try some tasty insects for yourself!
Located on the Ground Floor across from the Café
Heroes around the Home
Learn about the bugs in and around your home, how they help us, and how you can become a community scientist in this choose-your-own-adventure-style activity.
Located behind Sense of Wonder on the First Floor
Xerces Society
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation will be visiting MPM to talk to visitors about who they are, what they do, and how you can be a part of protecting invertebrates around us!
Located behind Sense of Wonder on the First Floor
Storytimes and Activities for Early Learners
Families with young children (recommended for ages 3-6) are invited to join Museum Educators for hands-on activities and storytimes about topics related to the rainforest and butterflies.
Located in the Ground Floor Early Learning Classroom
Month-long programs
Education Stations
Wednesdays-Fridays, May 7-June 6, 2026 (MPM closed Tuesdays)
During the week, Museum Educators will be at one or more of the following hands-on learning stations. Programming based on daily availability; times may vary.
Pollinator Pitstop
Buzz into spring and explore the world of pollinators! Learn about what makes these animals special and why we all rely on their contributions to our ecosystem.
Butterfly Stop-by
Get up close and personal with real butterfly specimens, and learn some of the things that make them special.
What is a Scientist?
Learn more about a few of the scientific professions who study the rainforest, and try your hand at some of the skills they need to get the job done! We'll be focusing on the fields of ornithology and entomology.
Heroes around the Home
Learn about the bugs in and around your home, how they help us, and how you can become a community scientist in this choose-your-own-adventure-style activity.
Stop Spots: Rainforest Explorer
How many varieties of frogs and spiders are on display in the Rainforest gallery? See how many you can spot in this self-guided activity.
Pick up a handout from Visitor Services
School Programs and Resources
Reserve an Educator: Bug's World
May 8 and 21, 2026
It's a bug's world, and we're just living in it! Schedule this adaptable, school group-only program, or come on the above “Cool for School” dates for a drop-in version of the program, featuring a few of the available modules:
- Meet Some Bugs: See some of MPM's smallest live residents up close!
- Butterfly Stop-by: Learn what makes these magnificent insects soar above the rest!
- Pollination: Some of our littlest neighbors can make the biggest impact on our environment. Learn how plants rely on insects and vice versa.
Rainforest & Butterflies Reading List
We've curated a list of books for both young and adult readers! Download (PDF).
MPM's Greatest Hits features a lineup of five different month-long celebrations of special events and programs highlighting MPM's most popular and impactful exhibits—or “greatest hits.”
Check out the full list of Greatest Hits.
This year promises to be the most exciting and worthwhile time to become a MPM member, as we pack in as many unique experiences as possible for visitors during this Museum location's last roar! A Membership pays for itself within TWO visits, and any months left on your membership when the current building closes will carry over to the new Museum, where you'll continue to enjoy your benefits. Renew or purchase your membership today to enjoy FREE admission during MPM's Greatest Hits:
The last day of operation at the current location will be January 3, 2027. An official opening date for the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin is still being determined. Stay updated on our monumental move.