The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel recently unveiled its latest exhibit, “Brilliant Colors of the Sea: Nudibranchs and Their Relatives,” which opened on May 29. This exhibition features 21 stunning underwater photographs of nudibranchs, marine gastropod mollusks known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. These creatures lack a shell in their adult form and are often celebrated for their vivid hues.
Nudibranchs are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, with the most colorful species thriving in warm, coral reef ecosystems. The exhibit highlights about 3,000 known species and explores how their colors are linked to their defense mechanisms, conservation status, and more. The photographs were captured by Gabriel Jensen and Scott Johnson in South Florida and the South Pacific.
Curator and Science Director Dr. José H. Leal, who organized the exhibition, shared his excitement: “We are glad to display these stunning images. Their portrayal of these unfamiliar mollusks complements each other in a unique way.”
Scott Johnson, a long-time collaborator with the museum, has spent nearly 40 years photographing marine life in the Marshall Islands, and his work has been widely acclaimed. Gabriel Jensen’s award-winning photography has been featured by prominent organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Geographic Wild, and Smithsonian Magazine.
This exhibit is made possible by a gift from the McQueen family and a grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation.
Additional Special Exhibitions at the Museum:
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“All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Amazing Abalone Shells” features 60 varieties of abalone shells, highlighting their stunning colors, patterns, and iridescence. These shells are prized for their beauty and have been used in jewelry and decorative objects. The exhibit is sponsored by a grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation.
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“Adorned by the Sea: Shells in Fashion” explores the use of sea shells and mollusks in fashion throughout history. From ancient dyes made from snails to contemporary designs by Christian Dior and Gucci, this exhibit shows how shells have been used to embellish garments, represent value, and symbolize nature and faith. The exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation and a gift from Mark and Kathy Helge.
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission fees as follows:
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$18 for adults
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$15 for seniors and veterans
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$10 for ages 12-17, students, and educators
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$5 for ages 5-11
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Free for ages under 5, museum members, and active military
For more information, visit ShellMuseum.org or call 239-395-2233. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
