GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The annual "Butterflies are Blooming'' exhibit officially opens on Sunday at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

For two months, 7,000 colorful butterflies will float freely around the 5-story Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

The exhibit includes an observation station where visitors can see the chrysalis forms of the butterflies as they transform. Once they become butterflies, they are released into the conservatory.

"I always hope people get a chance to be in the green and be warm and get lots of oxygen from all the plants,” said Meijer Gardens horticulturist Laurel Gaut.

“And to observe the butterflies and see them up close and learn about them and just enjoy their beauty because where else in Michigan can you see tropical butterflies?”

RELATED: Butterfly exhibit at Meijer Gardens can help you beat the winter blues

Officials with Meijer Gardens say it is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation. The exhibit at Meijer Gardens, located at 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, is open from March 1 thought April 30.

21 See thousands of butterflies fly free at Frederik Meijer Gardens

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