Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

David Rogers' BIG BUG Exhibit

Discover Big Bugs all over the garden! Pick up a map at the Visitors Center. Free with admission.

Big Bugs Garden Etiquette

The Big Bugs art sculptures are fragile and CAN NOT be climbed on. This rule not only helps to preserve the artwork, but more importantly, is for the safety of our visitors. No-Climb signage has been posted throughout the garden as a reminder and we thank you for your cooperation.

Members: We welcome you to be ambassadors for the Arboretum and encourage your support of the 'no-climb' etiquette with newcomers. Thank you!

These amazing ‘bugs’ are the creation of Long Island sculptor, David Rogers. Made mostly from found materials, primarily trees and plants that have fallen and died, each Big Bug is a unique creation with its own whimsical character. Click here to learn more about the artist.

Visitors will have to explore the entire Morris Arboretum garden to discover them all. The bugs are designed to awe and to educate, reminding us in a big way about the vital role that insects play in the environment, and of their diversity. The Big Bugs by David Rogers exhibit it made possible by the Madeleine K. Butcher Endowment.

The 11 Big Bugs on display (click each name to learn more):

BIG FUN All Summer Long! Check out the full line-up below

Let's Move! Be a Bug

MAY 18 | 11:00am - 1:00pm
Free with admission

Giggle your way through this bug boot camp as you learn how to crawl like an ant, hop like a grasshopper, float like a dragonfly, and spin like a spider. Parents, keep up with the kids and learn these fun moves for yourself! This event is in support of the National Let's Move Campaign and takes place the 3rd Saturday in May through August.
Garden Discovery Series: Pollination Station

JUNE 1 | 11:00am - 3:00pm
Free with admission

Using insect models, discovery table explorers will learn about how pollination happens, and why pollination is so important to the natural world. Kids will put the story of pollination in order using six illustrations, as they trace the honeybee’s journey from flower to flower.

Lets Move! Be a Bug

JUNE 15 | 11:00am - 3:00pm
Free with admission

Giggle your way through this bug boot camp as you learn how to crawl like an ant, hop like a grasshopper, float like a dragonfly, and spin like a spider. Parents, keep up with the kids and learn these fun moves for yourself! This event is in support of the National Let's Move Campaign and takes place the 3rd Saturday in May through August.
Garden Discovery Series: Discover Fireflies

JULY 6 | 11:00am - 3:00pm
Free with admission

Visit the Discovery Table and learn all about fireflies. Explore fun facts about these insects of summer and learn all about what makes them glow! Read the book, The Very Lonely Firefly, and make your very own firefly craft to take home.

Bug Crawl: Food & Drink Pairings for the 21st Century

JULY 17 | 6:00 - 8:00pm
Registration and payment required (TBA).

Try something completely different with the Arboretum’s evening Bug Crawl – Food & Drink Pairings for the 21st Century. The concept of bugs as a meal is not just a novelty for the adventurous eater, but a sustainable way to feed the earth’s growing population. Guests will learn about the science behind this cuisine as they sample insect edibles paired with complementary beer and wine at several Big Bug stations.

Learn more about the Benfits of edible bugs!

Let's Move! Be a Bug

JULY 20 | 11:00am - 3:00pm
Free with admission

Giggle your way through this bug boot camp as you learn how to crawl like an ant, hop like a grasshopper, float like a dragonfly, and spin like a spider. Parents, keep up with the kids and learn these fun moves for yourself! This event is in support of the National Let's Move Campaign and takes place the 3rd Saturday in May through August.
Garden Discovery Series: Clever Camouflage

AUGUST 3 | 11:00am - 3:00pm
Free with admission

How do insects protect themselves? How do they hide from predators? Discover how and why these very important adaptations help insects hide from predators and catch their prey. Kids will also create their very own walking stick craft to take home.

Let's Move! Be a Bug

AUGUST 17 | 11:00am - 3:00pm
Free with admission

Giggle your way through this bug boot camp as you learn how to crawl like an ant, hop like a grasshopper, float like a dragonfly, and spin like a spider. Parents, keep up with the kids and learn these fun moves for yourself! This event is in support of the National Let's Move Campaign and takes place the 3rd Saturday in May through August.