October 14, 2011
6–9 p.m.

Mark your calendars for the ultimate play date for kids and grown-ups alike! Celebrate the opening of our newest exhibition, M is for Museum, with exclusive tours, delicious food, themed cocktails and "mocktails," and a chance to explore the museum in a party atmosphere. Guided by the ABCs, discover the wonders of one of America's best natural history museums.

Family-friendly and children's activities will abound! Costumes welcome, so wear whatever expresses your mood—butterfly, bee, or basically beautiful!

Reservations
Adults: $125
Children (17 and under): $50
Call 412.578.2479 or click here to make your reservation online. Tickets will not be mailed.

Just for the Bugs & Butterflies Ball

The following activities are offered in addition to the more than 30 multimedia and hands-on activities in M is for Museum. Highlights of the exhibition include F is for Fossil, L is for Look, P is for Powdermill Nature Reserve, and Z is for The Zone.

Meet Dino Dan!

Dino Dan from Nick Jr. makes a special appearance at the Bugs & Butterflies Ball, including an opportunity for photos. For more information about Dino Dan, please visit the Nick Jr. website.

Butterfly Wall
Real butterflies like to fly away, But the ones you make here go on display! One-of-a-kind artwork, designed by you, Made from funky paper and sticky glue!		Create your own butterfly artwork for temporary display in the M is for Museum exhibition.
C is for Collect activity
Collect and study a bunch of species— Bugs and rocks, and all that’s nifty. A museum collection of your very own To enjoy long after the party's done.		Take part in the C is for Collect section of M is for Museum, building your own collection of toy animals, bugs, and other specimens to take home.
Alcohol House tour
Some of our 22 million specimens Are stored in the Alcohol House collection. Row after row and jar after jar— It's a sight that won't be beat, by far!		Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s Alcohol House, where thousands of amphibian and reptile specimens are stored in jars.
Invertebrate Zoology tour
Invertebrate Zoology studies living things That don't have spines—like insects with wings. Sneak a peek at our bugs, and it's OK to stare— Behind-the-scenes tours are something quite rare!		Get a peek at the museum’s world-renowned invertebrate zoology department to learn about the fascinating world of insects and to meet the museum scientists who study them.

Scheduled events

5:45–6 p.m.
Check-in, Scaife Foyer
Complimentary parking in museum lot

6–8 p.m.
Buffet dinner
Guest appearance and photo opportunity with Dino Dan
Entertainment by Carmen Banana and Glitter Dot & Dapper
Face painting

6–8:45 p.m.
Behind-the-scenes tours of Alcohol House and Invertebrate Zoology
C is for Collect scavenger hunt
Butterfly wall activity

7–9 p.m.
Dessert

6–9 p.m.
Explore M is for Museum, R.P. Simmons Family Gallery