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Art Meets Nature: Flights of Butterflies

A Metamorphosis in the Heart of the City

Chicago’s streets are about to come alive as Flight of Butterflies turns Chicago into a vibrant outdoor gallery.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum invites you to explore Flight of Butterflies, a dazzling outdoor exhibit that brings 39 breathtaking butterfly sculptures to life, each one a masterpiece crafted by local artists. Ten of these incredible creations have found a home along The Magnificent Mile, just waiting for you to stumble upon them.

Art with a Purpose
These aren’t just any butterflies. Each sculpture is a heartfelt expression of the artist’s journey and their deep-rooted connection to the natural world. Beyond their beauty, they carry an important message about protecting our wildlife—reminding us of the delicate balance we need to preserve.

Wander, Wonder, and Discover Augmented Reality
There’s more to this adventure than meets the eye! As you explore, keep an eye out for QR codes near each butterfly. Give them a quick scan, and suddenly, you’re surrounded by virtual butterflies, fluttering around you in a magical augmented reality experience. It’s a little bit of tech magic sprinkled onto your art-filled journey.

Follow the Butterfly Trail: Your Map to Magic on The Magnificent Mile

Discover Every Winged Wonder!

 Use our interactive map to find all 10 butterfly sculptures nestled along The Magnificent Mile! Each point on the map leads to a stunning, artist-designed butterfly, bringing you closer to the beauty and stories they hold.

Butterfly Digital Map The Mag Mile

 

Don’t Let This Pass You By
The Flight of Butterflies is a one-of-a-kind experience that blends art, nature, and technology in the most delightful way. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to carve out some time to soak in this extraordinary exhibit.

Curious to learn more? Visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s Flight of Butterflies page for all the details on the exhibit and the artists who brought these butterflies to life.

We couldn’t have made this happen without the generous support of Tullman Community Ventures, SSA 76, and our local property owners. Thanks for helping us make The Magnificent Mile even more magnificent!

Vuelo Sobre Fronteras 875 N Michigan Ave
Vuelo Sobre Fronteras
875 N Michigan Ave
Techno Organic 600 N Michigan Ave
Techno Organic
600 N Michigan Ave
Map to Migration 625 N Michigan Ave
Map to Migration
625 N Michigan Ave
Turnasol / Iridescence 676 N Michigan Ave
Turnasol / Iridescence
676 N Michigan Ave
Adapting To An Unnatural Habitat 717 N Michigan Ave
Adapting To An Unnatural Habitat
717 N Michigan Ave
Boundless Impact Jane M. Byrne Plaza, 180 E Pearson St
Boundless Impact
Jane M. Byrne Plaza, 180 E Pearson St
Ulukububa The Ritz-Carlton, 160 E Pearson St
Ulukububa
The Ritz-Carlton, 160 E Pearson St
Wonderlust Water Tower Place: Floor 2, 835 N Michigan Ave
Wonderlust
Water Tower Place: Floor 2, 835 N Michigan Ave
Of Migratory Paths and Milkweed Pioneer Court, 401 N Michigan Ave
Of Migratory Paths and Milkweed
Pioneer Court, 401 N Michigan Ave
Vuela Vuela 520 N Michigan Ave
Vuela Vuela
520 N Michigan Ave