Maria Merian's Butterflies
In 1699, the German artist and entomologist Maria Sibylla Merian set sail with her youngest daughter for Suriname in South America. There she would spend two years studying the animals and plants she encountered, leading to the publication of the lavishly illustrated Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium (The Metamorphosis of the Insects of Suriname), which brought the wonders of Suriname to Europe.
Maria Merian's Butterflies tells the artist’s extraordinary story through her works acquired by George III and now in the Royal Collection. These include the luxury versions of the plates from the Metamorphosis, partially printed and then hand-painted on vellum by Merian herself.
Exhibition highlights
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Pineapple with Cockroaches
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Cotton-Leaf Physicnut with Giant Sphinx Moth
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Branch of West Indian Cherry with Achilles Morpho Butterfly
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Branch of Banana with Bullseye Moth
Events programme
Maria Merian's Butterflies
A beautifully produced collection of Maria Merian's natural history drawings
Map & directions
By car
There is a public car park adjacent to the Palace at Broad Pavement. Please visit the Historic Environment Scotland website for more details.
Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come first-serve basis.
By train
Edinburgh Waverley. The Queen's Gallery is a 15 minute walk from the station.
By tram
The nearest tram stop is York Place. The Queen’s Gallery is a 20 minute walk from the station. Visit Edinburgh Trams for times and fares.
By coach / bus
Bus numbers 6 and 35 stop near the Gallery. Open-top tour buses stop nearby.
Limited free coach parking is available adjacent to the Palace. Alternative pay-and-display coach parking is available on nearby Regent Road.
By bike
A free-to-use public bicycle rack is located opposite the Scottish Parliament. Cycle hire stations are available nearby on both Holyrood Road and Abbeyhill, within a 5 minute walk of the Palace and The Queen’s Gallery. Visit Edinburgh Cycle Hire for details.
