American Museum of Natural History Opens the Stunning 'Monarch's Journey' Exhibit

Of all the living things on planet Earth, butterflies are imbued with some of the most storied mythology. Indeed, in Native American legend, a wish given to a butterfly is always granted; while in Japanese and Irish folklore, they were believed to carry the souls of deceased children. In virtually all cultures, nature's most mellifluous flying insect represents transformation and rebirth, tying it to the very essence of life.

Globally - and most astonishingly - there are said to be nearly 20,000 different and distinct species of butterflies. Yet none holds anywhere near the allure and mystique of the Monarch (scintific name: Danaus Plexippus), with its strikingly beautiful orange-and-black winged presence bringing so many moments of spontaneous joy throughout North America. After all, who isn't momentarily mesmerized as one unexpectedly wafts into their presence?

Another very good reason for their having so captured our collective imagination is the incredible story of their annual 3000-plus mile migration across North America, always to the very same mountain forests in Mexico. And theAmerican Museum of Natural History's captivating new exhibit 'Monarch's Journey' (on view through February 8, 2027) tells that story in an entirely new and thrilling way.

It is installed, naturally, in AMNH's architecturally stunning new Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation, which debuted to so much acclaim in 2023, and houses the museum's Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Insectarium and Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium.

“Every fall, generations of monarchs begin a journey that is both immense and astonishing," explains Curator Jessica Ware, who is also chair of the Museum’s Division of Invertebrate Zoology. “Their migration reminds us how profoundly connected the natural world is, and how we as humans are part of this story, in the choices we make."

She goes on to make the point about how both land development and (often not particularly responsible) human resource consumption very much affect how these stories unfold. Yet nature often reacts with adaptation, fortitude and self-preservation. Proof? This wondrous annual journey has continued mostly uninterrupted for an estimated one million years - though the monarch's overall numbers are diminishing, and they are also tragically nearing endangered status.

But Ware still emphasizes, "'Monarch’s Journey' invites us to see this migration not just as a spectacular natural event, but as an example of resilience and interconnectedness.”

Notably, it features exquisite illustrations by Eisner Award winning (and also Pulitzer Prize finalist) cartoonist Peter Kuper, who animates their journey in such a way that almost makes the viewer feel as though they are flying right alongside the fluttering butterflies.

“From the age of four I have been fascinated by insects," he enthuses. "The flash of color from a butterfly’s wings still makes my heart race. With 'Monarch’s Journey', I hope to convey a sense of wonder and appreciation for these tiny marvels that not only visually enhance our world, but are essential to keeping the planet functioning.”

Which is precisely why this exhibit is so urgent and essential at such a crucial time as this, as it offers young people (and everyone, really) an opportunity to poignantly engage with how our ecosystems are so interrelated, and why it is so important to do whatever we can to preserve them.