Visitors and residents of Sanibel have fresh reasons to visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium for the 2026 season. The renowned local institution has officially opened two new temporary exhibitions and welcomed a fascinating new resident to its aquariums: a Giant Pacific Octopus.
Executive Director Sam Ankerson notes that these additions offer a fresh, engaging, and educational experience, inviting the community to discover or rediscover the museum this season.
A New Resident in the Living Gallery
In the Living Gallery of Aquariums, a new Giant Pacific Octopus has successfully settled into his habitat. Known as the largest octopus species, these highly intelligent creatures possess three hearts, blue blood, and eight arms. The museum’s aquarists worked closely with the animal during his arrival to establish a relationship, ensuring a seamless transition. Visitors can view the octopus now and learn more about him during Keeper Chats, held daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
New Exhibition: The Giant Squid
The first of the new displays, titled “A Wondrous Phenomenon: Truth and Legend of the Giant Squid,” spotlights the biology and behavior of the Earth’s largest invertebrate. Capable of reaching lengths over 40 feet, the giant squid is one of the most elusive marine animals. This exhibit explores how this deep-water creature has inspired pop culture and literature, from “Moby Dick” and “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas” to legends of the Kraken.
New Exhibition: Caribbean Treasures
The second exhibition, “Paradise Found: Seashells of the Caribbean,” features a selection curated by museum Science Director Dr. José H. Leal. Displayed together for the first time, these specimens from the permanent collection range from iconic to rare, representing the rich marine biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea.
Visit Details
Both new exhibitions are made possible by a grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation and will be on view through the summer. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel. For more information, please call 239-395-2233 or visit ShellMuseum.org.
