As spring blossoms burst open and the days turn warmer, let your spirit take wing at the Flight of Butterflies, an outdoor exhibit open now through June 7, 2026 at Fernbank Museum featuring 25 striking butterfly sculptures. Set along the paths of WildWoods, this exhibit is perfect for all ages to enjoy and is located just steps outside the museum’s Great Hall.
“Our focus outdoors is about making a connection with art, science and culture,” said Sarah Arnold Martino, Fernbank’s Director of Education. “Flight of Butterflies accomplishes that by connecting humans and nature through art and storytelling.”
Each sculpture, standing more than seven feet tall, was decorated by a different artist; a manifestation of their vision of a butterfly as a symbol of beauty, migration, conservation and more. To learn about an artist’s inspiration, message and creative process, such as choice of media and colors, be sure to review the placard of their work.
“The array of designs is very representative of the array of artists and people who will see them,” Martino said. Juxtaposed to the diversity of interpretation, there are common themes, such as the parallel between human and butterfly migration.
“Azedah Hussaini’s ‘The Wings of Solidarity’ sculpture, explores the butterfly effect from the refugee point of view; how small actions can make a big difference,” Martino said.
That symbolism resonated with a guest who paused to read the placard and reflect. “I do immigration and refugee work,” she said. “I like that the butterfly is a sign of migration.” Hussaini’s placard explained that both butterflies and refugees “navigate the intricate web of their environment in pursuit of safety and security.”
Virtual artist and educator Kahari Blackburn and his students from SocialWorks’ Kids of the Kingdom Summer Camp explored this idea of safe passage, resilience and adaptability from the perspective Black Americans who migrated during the Jim Crow era with “Just Ask a Butterfly”.
“Being in Atlanta, the heart of the civil rights movement,” Martino said. “That definitely resonates with our city.”
A family of four, visiting Atlanta from the city of Austin, Texas also pondered that perspective and the use of bottle caps. “This sculpture was made by kids too!” the Mom said.
The exhibit also intertwines artistic expression with a call to action for wildlife conservation amidst a changing climate.
“Alisa Singer’s design in ‘Choosing Our Planet’s Future’ uses jagged lines to reference sharp fluctuations in global climate,” Martino said. The artist provides viewers with a choice on each wing – a healthy fertile planet or a parched and increasingly unlivable one.
As you stroll through the Flight of Butterflies, slip between giant monarch butterfly wings for a fun photo opportunity.
“How would you decorate your butterfly?” a Dad asks as his daughter poses. Before she answers, she exclaims that she found a lady bug on one of the orange spotted wings.
Insect observations like that found in WildWoods or on a hike through Fernbank Forest, can also be recorded with the City Nature Challenge. Or you can visit the Flight of Butterflies after participating in hands-on activities at Bug Fest on Saturday May 2, 2026 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. “It’s also the opening of our Orkin Discover Zone, which is very heavily influenced by insects,” Martino said.
The outdoor exhibit was brought from Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences’ to Fernbank by the generous support of Orkin and The Gary W. Rollins Foundation.
Regardless of how guests take in the 25 butterfly sculptures, the immersive experience is sure to leave them inspired.
“I love this place and this art; so beautifully put together,” said an avid photographer there with his family. Nature always has a story to tell.
See the placard for how to follow an artist after the exhibit. For example, Azedah Hussaini can be found on Instagram @azadehhussaini.
