Hundreds of butterflies are coming to a tropical indoor garden in Forest Hill this summer.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens’ Butterfly House will open its doors to the public on Monday, August 14.

Visitors will be able to see species from around the world, look out for rare butterflies like the Horniman’s Swallowtail, and watch them hatch out in the puparium as they learn about the life-cycle and behaviour of these fascinating creatures.

The indoor garden has more than 60 exotic plant species, and staff have been specially trained in butterfly care.

Janet Vitmayer, chief executive said: "We’re delighted to open the Butterfly House to our visitors, creating a wonderful new immersive experience at the Horniman.

"The Butterfly House provides a great opportunity to see these beautiful species close up in a specially planted tropical garden and to learn about butterflies and butterfly conservation.

"It is sure to make a day at the Horniman even more memorable."

The Butterfly House is open throughout the year alongside the Horniman’s current Living Collections, including alpacas, jellyfish and bees in the Animal Walk, Aquarium and Nature Base and the historic Natural History collections.