MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Audubon Nature Institute announced it will open America’s largest freestanding museum devoted to insects on June 13, 2008, in New Orleans.
The museum, named Audubon Insectarium, will be the first major attraction to open in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina struck the area in 2005. Terminix is the lead sponsor of the Insectarium and will donate $2 million to the museum.
The Terminix commitment is a multi-year sponsorship that includes the presenting sponsorship of the Insectarium’s Grand Opening and the permanent naming rights to the facility’s 4-D theater.
“At Terminix, we love bugs. We’ve devoted our lives and our business to understanding them, and working with Audubon Nature Institute is an ideal opportunity for us to partner with one of the premier learning facilities to educate others about the important role insects play in our ecosystem,” said Steve Good, Terminix senior vice president of new business development.
The Insectarium is a 23,000 square foot museum located in New Orleans’ historic Custom House. Set on Canal Street, the Insectarium is located in the heart of the Crescent City’s entertainment district and will attract visitors from around the world.
The state-of-the-art facility will use a combination of live insects and engaging exhibits to allow visitors to get an up-close look at some of the ecosystem’s smallest, most important members. Museum highlights include a Japanese-inspired butterfly garden, a witty, multi-sensory movie showing in the Terminix 4-D theater and much, much more.
“Audubon Insectarium is devoted to insects and showcases their fundamental role in the environment,” said Ron Forman, president and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute. “We are excited to work with Terminix to create a museum that is both educational and fun for the entire family.”