At 1220 Exhibits, we’ve had the privilege of working on many installations that showcase our environmental installation services that focus on education and environmental responsibility. But, this Earth Day, we’re highlighting one that specifically brings those values to life in an unforgettable way: the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans. We’re celebrating how this destination is inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards through hands-on exhibits and real-world sustainability.
A Sustainable Vision
In the heart of The Crescent City, the Audubon Insectarium is not just a center for insect life appreciation and education. It’s a beacon of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Behind the scenes, innovative building upgrades—like a specially designed butterfly garden with a custom AC system—ensure that even the architecture supports animal well-being and environmental harmony. As fabricators, 1220 took special care to select eco-conscious materials throughout the project, including FSC-certified wood substrates, low-VOC paints, and durable finishes designed to reduce maintenance needs and extend the lifespan of each exhibit.
By combining sustainable design with immersive educational experiences, the Audubon Insectarium plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental awareness and conservation efforts.
Fabricating Immersive Exhibits
What makes the Audubon experience truly memorable is how information is relayed, especially to young minds. Children aren’t just looking at fish behind glass or bugs in boxes––at the Insectarium, they can walk through lush environments filled with free-flying butterflies, they have the chance to sample edible insects in the “Bug Appétit” café, and they can get an up-close view of a Leaf Cutter Ant Colony and a live Honey Bee Hive in action. These immersive exhibits make big topics like biodiversity, conservation, and climate feel real, tangible, and fun!
1220 was brought on board to help transform the galleries’ over 68,000 square feet of space into a vibrant, sensory-rich experience rooted in environmental storytelling. From concept to completion, our Scenic and AV departments collaborated to create a world that both children and adults can explore and let their imaginations run wild—diving into a real-life pop-up book filled with bugs, bayous, and big discoveries.
A Look Inside the Experience
One of our favorite highlights? A 20-foot-tall cypress tree, handcrafted by our scenic team, that now houses a screech owl enclosure, integrated cameras and a built-in monitor that allow visitors to get a close-up look inside the tree’s root system—all surrounded by scenic Spanish moss and layered soundscapes that evoke the Louisiana Bayou.
To further showcase the breadth of our environmental installation services, we also fabricated custom glass insect vivariums, complete with top-tier life safety systems, to securely showcase insect species never before on display. Beloved exhibits from the original space were carefully refurbished and adapted to the new environment, ensuring continuity while expanding educational reach.
Throughout the space, you’ll find:
- Vibrant, tension-fabric murals and wallpaper graphics that envelop visitors in themed environments
- A motion-activated projection wall and two-story video wall that engage audiences with dynamic storytelling
- Scenically themed substrates and durable HPL graphics built to withstand New Orleans’ challenging climate and protect the well-being of the animals
These materials and techniques don’t just enhance the aesthetic. They ensure the longevity and sustainability of the exhibit itself, aligning beautifully with Audubon’s mission.
Lasting Impact of Environmental Installation Services
The result is more than an insectarium. It’s an immersive call to action, designed to help young visitors connect with the environment in meaningful ways.
This Earth Day, let’s celebrate the places that plant ideas and foster sustainability. The Audubon Insectarium is just one of these places where kids can get hands-on with nature and leave feeling like they can save the planet (because they totally can). Every immersive moment is a spark of wonder that helps grow the planet protectors of tomorrow, one curious critter and splashy surprise at a time!
To check out photos of the space and a full video tour, head over to the Portfolio page here.
