Monsanto Insectarium
- Nature & parks
- In St. Louis, Missouri
- 3.0 mi from Route 66
The Monsanto Insectarium, now known as the Bayer Insectarium, is a 9,000-square-foot insect house in St. Louis, MO, set inside the Saint Louis Zoo. Opened in 2000, it mixes exhibits with a working breeding and research lab, and a window lets visitors watch insect scientists at their jobs and talk with them. A domed flight cage full of butterflies and rainforest flowers is the showpiece. It sits about 3 miles off the old road.
What is Monsanto Insectarium?
The building packs a lot into 9,000 square feet. Part of it is given over to exhibits that teach about insects. Another part is a real breeding and research facility, and a viewing window into that area, along with a two-way speaker link, means visitors can see entomologists working and put questions to them directly.
The star attraction is a geodesic dome that works as a flight cage. Butterflies of many species fly free inside among tropical rainforest flowers, so the dome is full of color and movement.
History of Monsanto Insectarium
The insectarium opened in 2000 as part of the zoo. It was designed by the firm David Mason and Associates. Its blend of display space and a working lab fits the zoo's wider reputation for research and teaching alongside showing animals. It has carried more than one sponsor name: it is listed here as the Monsanto Insectarium, and it now goes by Bayer Insectarium.
Visiting Monsanto Insectarium: tips
Allow 30 to 45 minutes, longer if the butterflies catch your eye or a scientist is on hand to answer questions. Restrooms are on site, and the building reports wheelchair access.
Since it is inside the zoo, fold it into a zoo day; the main zoo grounds surround it. The Saint Louis Art Museum is about 0.3 miles away across Forest Park, and the Missouri History Museum about 0.8 miles, so a full Forest Park day is easy to plan.
Practical info
- Address
- Living World Building-St. Louis Zoo, Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Phone
- +1 314-781-0900
- Hours
- We have no opening hours for this stop yet — check the official site.
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
Where to eat near Monsanto Insectarium
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On the map
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Questions about Monsanto Insectarium
Where is the Monsanto Insectarium?
Inside the Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park, St. Louis. It now goes by the name Bayer Insectarium.
Can you see butterflies at the insectarium?
Yes. A geodesic flight dome holds many butterfly species among rainforest flowers.
Own or run Monsanto Insectarium? Send us a photo or a correction.