The Kenosha Public Museum will open its new temporary exhibition Big Bugs! Arthropods at Large on November 21, 2026. Running through February 28, 2027, the show gives local families more than three months to discover the hidden world of insects and arachnids that most people simply walk past.
What visitors will see
The exhibition draws on actual specimens from the museum’s own collection, ranging from familiar butterflies and beetles to less‑known jungle nymphs and scorpions. Complementing the specimens are larger‑than‑life macro photographs by local photographer Lexie Belles, whose close‑up images turn compound eyes and delicate wing veins into striking visual art.
Hands‑on learning for kids
Several interactive stations let children examine bugs up close, handle replica specimens, and even build their own “bugs” from provided parts. The museum designed these activities so younger visitors can engage directly with the material rather than merely observing from a distance.
Why bugs matter
Insects and arachnids are often dismissed as nuisances, but the exhibition makes clear they perform essential work in the background of everyday life. They break down organic matter into soil, pollinate food crops, and serve as a vital food source for birds and other wildlife. By presenting these creatures in a new light, the museum hopes visitors will look past startling shapes and understand why they are important to the health of our ecosystems.
Family Bug Day
To complement the exhibit, the museum is planning a special Family Bug Day on Saturday, February 27, 2027. Details will be announced closer to the date, but families can expect additional hands‑on activities, expert talks, and opportunities to explore the exhibition together.
Visit information
Big Bugs! Arthropods at Large is on view at the Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 First Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin. The exhibition follows regular museum hours. For more information, visit KenoshaPublicMuseum.org or call 262‑653‑4142.
The Kenosha Public Museum, founded in 1933, houses over 80,000 items, including 1,200 works of fine art. Its permanent collections span natural science, fine and decorative arts, and regional history. Temporary exhibitions like Big Bugs! provide local, regional, and national audiences with opportunities to explore the intersection of art and science in a family‑friendly setting.
Original reporting: Kenosha.com — read the source article.
