The iconic Butterfly House at Melbourne Zoo turns 40 this December with performances from Born In a Taxi theatre group.
Since opening in 1985, the Butterfly House has maintained its status as one of the most loved attractions at Melbourne Zoo.
Born In a Taxi will lead ithe Butterfly House’s 40th birthday celebrations across three days in mid-December, bringing their signature interactive style to families visiting the zoo. Known for their captivating performance art, the Melbourne-based ensemble will transform the lawn area near Rail Gate into a buzzing world of insects and pollinators through costumes, puppets and hands-on activities.
Performances run three times daily at 10.30am, midday and 1.30pm, giving families plenty of chances to catch the show. Born In a Taxi’s approach means kids won’t just watch from the sidelines – they’ll meet a performer dressed as a giant praying mantis, interact with a caterpillar puppet, and create their own butterflies using recycled chip packets. Everyone takes home a native plant as a keepsake.
Melbourne Zoo Butterfly House 40th Birthday
- Where: The Lawn, Rail Gate, Melbourne Zoo
- When: Friday 12, Saturday 13, Sunday 14 December
- Times: 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm daily
- Cost: Free with zoo entry
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Members who wear butterfly-inspired outfits and their member lanyards can score prizes throughout the weekend. It’s exactly the kind of playful celebration that suits an exhibit dedicated to creatures that go through their own transformative journey.
In 1985, Architect Lyon Hilbert designed the original glass structure to create a warm, humid environment that keeps hundreds of butterflies thriving year-round. Extensions in 2002 added new entry and exit tunnels plus improved displays, making the experience even better for Melbourne zoo visitors.
Around 10 to 13 species of colourful native butterflies call the house home at any given time, mostly from tropical North Queensland and the Northern Territory. Beyond being beautiful to look at, the exhibit highlights the crucial role these tiny pollinators play in ecosystems and why their conservation matters.
Born In a Taxi brings their internationally acclaimed, award-winning style to an audience that ranges from curious toddlers to adults who appreciate good theatre. Their involvement elevates the birthday bash beyond standard zoo programming into something genuinely memorable. Four decades of butterflies deserves a proper party, and this theatre ensemble knows how to deliver one.
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