Entomophobiacs, beware! Our newest museum was delayed by our nemesis, Hurricane Katrina. But it's here now. The Audubon Institute in New Orleans has opened the highly anticipated Insectarium.
Insects in New Orleans:
According to the Institute, insects comprise 90% of all animal life and outnumber humans 1.5 million to one. There are over 900,000 types of insects, and it's time to pay some homage to these guys before they take over the world. The New Orleans Insectarium is the largest free-standing museum dedicated to insects in the country. Besides being operated by the famous New Orleans Audubon Institute, it's appropriate to open it here. The city suffered for centuries from yellow fever epidemics spread by infected mosquitoes. But enough about the old days, let's go to the insectarium!The Facility:
Terminix sponsored the opening “infestivities." (Do the termites know about this?) The Museum occupies 2300 square feet in the U.S. Custom Building on Canal Street. It has interactive exhibits, a Japanese butterfly garden, and a "den" where people are reduced to the size of insects. Scary! There's a scorpion pit, 200 million year-old fossils, and a lab. You can watch an animated insect film, tour swamp and French Quarter exhibits, and see much more.
How about visiting the Trap Door Spider in the Life Underground? Are you hungry? The museum has a cooking show featuring a chef preparing and serving insect delicacies, featured at the Tiny Termite Cafe and Bug Appétit. Yummy!
Where:
The Custom House is located at 423 Canal Street in New Orleans. It is open from 10 am-6pm, Tuesdays through Sundays. Tickets are sold for specific times and advance purchase is suggested. Adult tickets are $15.00, children $10.00, and there are combination tickets available for the Zoo, IMAX, and Aquarium. You can purchase tickets online at the website.
Get a package deal for a hotel room and tickets.
