Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Philadelphia

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition?

We are proud to be Philadelphia's newest science museum and to showcase one of the most diverse living arthropod collections in the United States. With two floors of new museum exhibits, a 7,000 square foot tropical butterfly pavilion, and educational programming, we offer a unique and interactive experience for all to enjoy.

What was the inspiration to start or run this business?

This museum was started to teach people about fascinating creatures they might otherwise overlook. We are fully committed to educating the public about the environmental importance of arthropods. Our community events, classes, and free programs help us to teach individuals about the ecology of the most important group of animals in the world: insects!

What do you love most about your job?

It's nice to work in a place where people come in happy and leave happier. Often visitors are taking a family trip, a school trip, or a break from work. People here are in a good mood and excited to see things they have never seen before. It's the next best thing to sitting in the international arrivals gate at the airport and watching people's reactions to being reunited with loved ones.

What is the best reaction you've ever gotten from a customer?

People say "thank you" a lot as they leave. It makes all of us here very happy to know that the hard work we put in does not go unnoticed. We also get a fair number of kids who start crying when it's time to leave the butterfly pavilion. I don't like seeing kids cry but it's nice to know they liked it that much.