MAYFAIRTIMES.CO.UK
G
rosvenor Square will fill with beautiful
butterf lies next month, thanks to a magical
installation that promises to bring more
than a f lutter of excitement to Mayfair.
Grosvenor has partnered with
multisensory visionaries Bompas & Parr to create a
butterf ly biosphere, which will give visitors the chance to
immerse themselves in the colourful world of butterf lies.
Featuring nectar tasting, butterf ly hatching and feeding
tables, the event promises to create an immersive and
spectacular butterf ly experience for all ages to enjoy for
free, from September 5-15.
The dome will be the world’s first lepidopterarium
combining butterf ly ecology, nectar tasting and an
abundance of photo opportunities, against a backdrop of
pink lighting and shimmering, iridescent decor that will
match the butterf lies’ vibrant colour scheme.
On arrival visitors will be invited to taste a sip of nectar
made using fruit nectar from f lowering trees and say
cheers to the butterf ly, the unsung hero of pollination.
A specially created nectar station will draw its design
inspiration from the centre of the f lower.
A wildlife guardian will guide guests into the
enchanting world of butterf lies, advising them on how
best to appreciate these fascinating creatures.
Each visitor will receive a pair of rainbow spectacles
that will enhance their butterf ly vision, and will have the
chance to sit on a specially designed throne to take a selfie
that makes them look like they have a pair of brightly
coloured wings.
The warm, humid atmosphere of the biosphere will
be filled with brightly coloured butterf lies f luttering
around, as well as an abundance of fragrant plants and
f lowers and boughs overf lowing with oranges. Mirrors
will ref lect and refract light around the space, creating a
kaleidoscopic world.
There will be a special centrepiece in the dome
where the butterf lies are hatched – transforming
from caterpillar to chrysalis before beginning their
metamorphosis into a butterf ly.
This will be a place of wonder, where guests can peek
inside and might even be lucky enough to see movement.
It will be made of brightly coloured panels, natural twigs
with spotty patterns and ornate branches.
The experience will also highlight the fact that London’s
butterf ly population is in trouble, having declined by 76
per cent over the last four decades – and will show city
dwellers how they can help their winged friends.
Bompas & Parr’s previous multisensory projects have
included the installation of a boating lake on the roof of
Selfridges and the “world’s first” vegan hotel suite at the
five-star Hilton London Bankside.
Harry Parr, co-founder of Bompas & Parr, said:
“Butterf lies are the unsung heroes of pollination, so it’s
about time Londoners got a place to go and celebrate them
by saying cheers with a glass of their favourite drink –nectar. And taking the odd beautiful butterf ly picture
along the way as well.”
Keith Bailey, Mayfair Director, Grosvenor Britain &
Ireland, says: “We are very excited to collaborate with the
creative visionaries Bompas & Parr to host an engaging
installation that celebrates nature and biodiversity right
in the heart of Mayfair.
Grosvenor Square is the second largest garden square
in London and we want to welcome both locals and
visitors from further afield to enjoy it as a vibrant and
interesting open space in Central London.”
So, come along to Grosvenor Square in September, step
inside the Butterf ly Biosphere. The best time to visit is
anytime before 4.30pm, before the butterf lies quieten
down and go to sleep.The Butterf ly Biosphere will be open from September
5-15 in Grosvenor Square. Admission is free. Visit
mayfairandbelgravia.com or follow @Mayfair_LDN and
@bompasandparr on InstagramMT Aug19 52-53 Grov.indd 19 30/07/2019 10:54