Welcome to the Shell Museum!
The Museum Mission:
- To educate about shells and mollusks, the shell-makers, through exhibits, educational programs, library services and publications;
- To further awareness of nature and the natural environment;
- To promote collection-based research on shells and mollusks with emphasis on Southwest Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
Featured Events
Museum Field Trip 2013: Chub Cay
05/29/13 - 06/04/13
At Fort Lauderdale to Chub Cay
Join a group of shell enthusiasts for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Shell guides Dr. Gary Schmelz and Anne Joffe lead a small distinguished group of shelling enthusiasts on a trip to Chub Cay in the Bahamas. For more detailed information about the trip, please use the Registration Link below.
Open Daily from
10 AM to 5 PM
Closed on New Year Day,
Easter Sunday,
Fourth of July,
Thanksgiving Day, & Christmas Day
3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road
Sanibel, Florida 33957 USA
Phone: (239) 395-2233
Toll-free: (888) 679-6450
Fax: (239) 395-6706

News
5/21/13 -
Announcing Winners of the 2013 Mollusk Picture Contest
, The judge has spoken and the results are in. Please check out the winners and their beautiful artwork!.
5/10/13 -
Free Admission to Mothers on Mothers Day
, Celebrate your Mothers Day with shells! The Museum will be offering free admission to mothers on Mothers Day, this Sunday, May 12, 2013! .
4/1/13 -
Museum Shelling Trip to Chub Cay
, Join a group of nature and shelling enthusiasts for this year’s trip to Chub Cay, Bahamas, sponsored by The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. .

