<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Whether you're just visiting Florida or have lived here your whole life, beach combing is a common occurrence with so many places close by to search for shells. It can be very difficult to find that “perfect” shell to bring home and add to your existing collection, but did you know there's a place you can go to see all kinds of perfect shells and marine life?
Let us introduce you to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium!
What is the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium?
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is located on Sanibel Island, one of the best shelling destinations in the world! The museum officially opened in 1995, and since then, its collection of shells has grown to nearly 600,000 specimens, one of the largest collections of its kind.
Fast forward to 2022, where the museum received accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Unfortunately, also within that year, the museum was hit by Hurricane Ian. With damage to their building, the museum decided to undertake a redesign and reinstallation of the shell exhibit.
What is there to do at the museum?
Great Hall of Shells
Phase 1 of the new exhibit features select shells from the museum's enormous collection, with different shapes, colors, and evolution patterns from around the globe. In phase 2 of the exhibit renovation, there are exhibits of specific Southwest Florida shells based on record size, fossils, culture, conservation, and environmental impact. All of this is part of the Great Hall of Shells.
While you can't take any of these particular shells home with you, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium's Great Hall of Shells is arguably one of the best in the country. From pinkie nail size to palm size, and beyond, we guarantee they have shells on display that you've never seen before!
Living Gallery of Aquariums and Marine Life
Live gallery of aquariums and marine life includes just about 60 species of mollusks and other animals, see a Giant Pacific Octopus, Two-Spot Octopus, Giant Clam, Queen Conch, and more! There are two large touch pools with warm water and cold-water species, including Red Abalone, California Sea Hare, Lewis Moon Snails, and many more.
Currently the Giant Pacific Octopus exhibit is closed as they are preparing the aquarium for the addition of a new resident.
There are also gallery talks included in your ticket to the museum. Those talks include the Keeper Chats at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., during which aquarists reveal fun facts about marine life on exhibit, and the Touch Pool Talk at 3:30p.m., where the educators share stories about the biology and behavior of mollusks.
Special Exhibitions
Currently on view, you can find multiple special exhibits that feature and educate guests about many specimens in the museum's permanent collection.
Current Exhibitions:
All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Amazing Abalone Shells
Brilliant Colors of the Sea: Nudibranchs and Their Relatives
Adorned by the Sea: Shells in Fashion
Looking for something to take home from your adventures?
The Bailey Matthew National Shell Museum & Aquarium has an on-site store with great shell-themed jewelry, clothing, decor, educational books and toys, and original artwork by local artists.
The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day the museum is open. You can also browse their online store here.
They also have an online catalogue of their Southwest Florida Shell Guide and Mollusk Collection available for viewing online.
Where is the Shell Museum located?
3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The museum will be open with limited hours on Monday, September 1, from 12 p.m.-4 p.m., and will be open on Sundays beginning October 26, 2025.
Museum Admission:
Adults (18+), $18
Seniors ($65+) and veterans, $15
Youth (12-17), students, and teachers, $10
Child (5-11), $5
Museum members, children under 5, active military, Free
Museum parking is free.
Make it a day-date: Turn the shell museum into an all-day date in Sanibel with our guide to all the best things to do!