Butterfly Biosphere

In September 2019, Londoners got their first ever chance to sip nectar while surrounded by butterflies. In partnership with Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, Bompas & Parr launched a unique butterfly biosphere in Grosvenor Square in Mayfair.

From 5 – 15 September, Londoners were invited to step inside Butterfly Biosphere: Pleasures of the Nectar Dome, the world’s first Lepidopterarium, combining butterfly ecology, nectar tasting and an abundance of photo opportunities with the butterflies. Not least because it was lit with pink lighting and feature shimmering, iridescent décor to match the butterflies’ vibrant colour scheme.

On arrival, visitors were given the chance to try a sip of nectar made using fruit nectar from flowering trees and say cheers to butterflies, the unsung heroes of pollination. This was followed by an experiential walk to the Biosphere where a Wildlife Guardian guided guests into the enchanting world of butterflies, advising them on how best to appreciate the fascinating creatures. Guests also received a pair of rainbow spectacles that enhanced their butterfly vision and were able to sit on a throne for a selfie that made them look like they have a pair of brightly-coloured wings.

The experience also highlighted the fact that London’s butterfly population is in trouble – having declined by 76% over the last four decades – and helped capital dwellers learn how to help their winged friends. Guests were greeted by a “wildlife guardian”, able to donate to butterfly conservation initiatives, watched them hatch and develop a newfound appreciation of their essential role in nature and how to take a crucial role in ensuring their future survival.