See more than 30 exhibits featuring mollusks from around the world.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium provides education on shells and mollusks (the shell makers) with exhibits, educational programs, library services, and publications. This top Sanibel attraction is considered the most comprehensive shell museum in the western hemisphere!
The Museum offers several temporary exhibits and more than 30 permanent exhibits, including the Great Hall of Shells which displays highlights of the Museum’s collection of some 550,000 shells. The Beyond Shells living gallery of aquariums displays over 60 species of marine life.
Daily onsite experiences included in admission: Keeper Chats (11a.m. and 2 p.m.) and Touch Pool Talks (3 p.m.). Aquarists and staff share fun and amazing facts about mollusks’ marine life in the aquariums.
Children’s Learning Lab
A learning lab features a hands-on play area for children, displays, games and a tank with indigenous mollusks. Daily Arts & Crafts and Live Tank Talk (presented by a Marine Biologist) programs are included with admission.
Shell Museum Store
After your visit, stop by the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium Store that carries a large selection of shell-related items from postcards to art and includes a terrific variety of shell books and identification guides.
Children’s items include puzzles, games, books, stuffed animals, jewelry, and clothing. For adult shoppers, the Museum Store offers books, china, hand-painted silk scarves and jackets, cards and stationery, garden supplies, jewelry, and picture frames. 100% percent of the proceeds support the Museum.
Admission: Adults $10 (18+), Youth (ages 5 -17) $5, free for children ages 4 and under.
Active-duty military are always welcome at no charge.
Discounts available for seniors (65+), AAA, and AARP.
Closed Thanksgiving Day. Open Noon to 4 on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day & Christmas Day.
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a proud participant of the Blue Star Museums program, which offers free admission to active-duty military personnel, including National Guard and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
