Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary

Overview

The Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary and Art Gallery is a unique combination of living butterfly garden and art museum in Basak, Cebu City. Founded by National Artist nominee Julian Jumalon, the sanctuary houses live butterflies and original paintings created using real butterfly wings — a one-of-a-kind art form.

Highlights

• Butterfly Wing Art: Stunning paintings created entirely from real butterfly wing fragments, pioneered by Julian Jumalon himself.
• Live Garden: A netted garden where visitors can observe and photograph various Philippine butterfly species.
• Art Gallery: Original oils and watercolors by Jumalon complement the butterfly wing masterpieces.

History

Julian Jumalon (1913–2000) was a self-taught artist and lepidopterist who developed the technique of creating images from thousands of carefully arranged butterfly wing fragments. He established the sanctuary in the 1970s as both a conservation project and art gallery. After his death, his family has continued to maintain the sanctuary and gallery as a tribute to his legacy.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The guided tour explains Jumalon's unique art technique in fascinating detail — don't skip it.
• Tip 2: Best visited mid-morning when butterflies are most active in the garden.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.