Following extensive repairs and renovations necessitated by Hurricane Ian in 2022, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel Island has officially reopened Phase 1 of its beloved Great Hall of Shells exhibit as of May 24.
Since its original opening in 1995, the Great Hall of Shells has been a cornerstone of the museum, renowned for showcasing a vast collection of extraordinary shells from around the globe. After significant storm damage, the museum committed to completely redesigning and updating the exhibit to elevate its presentation and educational impact.
“We aim to maintain the Great Hall as one of the premier and most comprehensive public shell exhibitions globally,” said Executive Director Sam Ankerson. “Sanibel and Southwest Florida are ideal locations for this unique experience, and we warmly invite everyone to explore this exciting first step.”
The redesigned exhibits highlight stunning specimens chosen from the museum’s extensive collection of nearly 600,000 shells, now displayed with custom-designed cabinetry, lighting, and individual mounts to accentuate their beauty and uniqueness.
“Our exhibits are crafted to vividly showcase the diversity and splendor of shells, emphasizing the crucial ecological roles mollusks play in biodiversity, natural history, and environmental health,” explained curator and Science Director Dr. José H. Leal. “Visitors will find a refreshed space filled with intriguing new items.”
Exhibit themes in Phase 1 include global biodiversity, the remarkable variety in shapes and colors, and the evolutionary timeline of mollusks. Notable highlights include specialized displays dedicated to cones, cowries, volutes, murexes, scallops, and carrier shells, selected for their exceptional beauty and popularity among collectors.
Phase 2 exhibits, currently under construction and set to open later this summer, will delve deeper into regional shells, world-record-sized shells, land snails, and fossils. They will also explore the role of shells in human culture, the indigenous Calusa people, and critical conservation issues such as habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change.
Once fully reopened, the museum will have completely recovered from Hurricane Ian. Visitors are encouraged to experience this uniquely dedicated museum, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission prices are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and veterans, $10 for ages 12-17, students and educators, $5 for ages 5-11, and free for children under 5, active military, and museum members.
For additional information, visit ShellMuseum.org or call (239) 395-2233. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
