A spectacular butterfly exhibition opened on Thursday in the Natural History Museum in London, nearly 700 butterflies from across the world were flying freely in the museum.

The exhibition of Sensational Butterflies has introduced about 700 butterflies of more than 50 live butterfly and moth species, including the national butterfly of Brazil, blue morpho and spectacular swallowtail and some rare species from Africa and South America.

One of the highlights on the exhibition is that visitors can peep through a hatchery window and watch butterflies and moths emerging from their pupae.

The organizer said that the exhibition aims to raise the public awareness of butterfly protection.

"They are happy but some are not, because the other kids are not really gentle. I have learned that you have to be really gentle when you are holding the butterflies," said Catherine Barclay, a 7-year-old visitor.

"My children live in London in the city and coming to the Natural History Museum to see this butterfly garden is fantastic, because it likes a tropical jungle in the middle of the city," said Max Barclay.

"When you get to see those butterflies, you get the curiosity that gets you into science. I grew up in the tropical forest and now I am a scientist," said Blance Huertas, organizer of the show.

"And today we probably get the next successors of my work here, as those children who are interested in the butterflies may become the curators of the collections, the new scientists and the new professors in universities," said Huertas.

Combined with interactive displays and activities, the exhibition will be on show from April 3 to Sept. 14.