The University of Illinois Pollinatarium is the first free-standing science center in the nation devoted to flowering plants and their pollinators. The UI Pollinatarium is dedicated to all creatures 2-, 4-, or 6-legged that assist flowering plants in meeting their reproductive needs. Because so much depends on pollination, the UI Pollinatarium is designed to increase awareness and appreciation of pollination as a remarkable ecological partnership and an essential ecosystem service.

The UI Pollinatarium is intended as both a University of Illinois campus resource for research & teaching and a major regional attraction for the community and its visitors. Its location in the midst of the Arboretum brings together flowers and pollinators physically and conceptually, for optimal impact and appeal. Multiple exhibits acquaint visitors with a broad range of disciplines involved in the study of pollination, including: ecology, evolution, plant biology, insect physiology, animal behavior, crop sciences, and conservation. Changing exhibits will relate to world events and ongoing research on pollinators. Moreover, the Pollinatarium is the physical home of Beespotter, a UI web-based citizen science effort launched in October 2007 to engage the public in monitoring the distribution and abundance of Illinois honey bees and bumble bees.

The UI Pollinatarium is located south of the University’s Arboretum (see map here). Their hours are Saturday & Sunday 1-4pm and Weekdays by appointment. Admission is free. If you have any questions, please call 217-265-8302 or e-mail uibees@life.illinois.edu.