Butterfly World opened its doors to the public in March 1988, making it the first and largest butterfly house in the United States. The $1.2 million facility was built by partners Ronald Boender of Ft. Lauderdale and Clive P.Farrell of England. The facility was built on 2.8 acres of leased county land at no cost to taxpayers. It provides visitors with a beautifully-landscaped, unique scientific and educational showplace that has become one of the landmark attractions of South Florida. Butterfly World's butterfly house and aviaries were designed in consultation with the famed professional designer, James Gardner of London. The architecture is the perfect highlight to Florida's temperate climate and subtropical setting. This allows butterflies to be "outside" on live exhibition year-round.