Dec. 4, 2019

The Butterfly House & Aquarium now will be more affordable to families who qualify for assistance.

It has joined Museums for All, a program that encourages people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly.

Those who receive food assistance, or SNAP, benefits can visit the Butterfly House & Aquarium for $3 per person, up to four people. The program, called Aquarium for All, is being offset by a sponsorship from Marsh & McLennan Agency.

“We seek to provide educational opportunities not just for our clients but for our community as well. Partnering with the Butterfly House & Aquarium to support equitable access to their facilities is a perfect fit for our values” said Jenny Wolff, communication strategist with Marsh & McLennan Agency.

Museums for All is a program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Association of Children’s Museums. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 400 museums across the country, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.

“We are incredibly grateful for Marsh & McLennan Agency’s generosity so we may provide more families with access to year-round educational experiences with tropical butterflies and marine life. The Aquarium for All opportunity would not be possible without Marsh & McLennan Agency’s support,” said Audrey Willard, CEO of the Butterfly House & Aquarium.

The Butterfly House & Aquarium is located at Sertoma Park and is in the midst of a major expansion. Construction has started on an administrative addition to prepare for an eventual greatly enlarged aquarium.

“We have raised $4.1 million towards our $7.5 million goal, with construction of the aquarium galleries and educational space starting when we reach $7.5 million, with a goal of fall 2020,” Willard said.

To learn more about the campaign, expansion plans and the organization, contact [email protected].