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Great Hall of Shells
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ac623a_28188f98be8e47f68a9b804416700e8d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_981,h_509,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/ac623a_28188f98be8e47f68a9b804416700e8d~mv2.jpg)
Following damage sustained by Hurricane Ian, The Great Hall of Shells, which first opened in 1995, is being redesigned and reinstalled to exhibit a greater quantity and diversity of shells. New displays will feature approximately 3,000 specimens (more than double the number on view previously) with a dazzling array of beauty and global biodiversity, and will include special focuses on Southwest Florida shells, world-record-sized shells, deep-sea species, land snails, and ancient fossils.
An expanded section of exhibits about how shells play a role in human history and culture will include new spotlights on shells in currency, adornment, music, art, architecture, spirituality, food, utility, medicine, curiosities, and collecting. A pre-existing exhibit of the connections between shells, mollusks, and the Calusa culture will be refreshed and augmented.
A new section of The Great Hall devoted to conservation and environmental education will include exhibits on water quality, warming oceans and ocean acidification, invasive/introduced species, aquaculture, and restoration initiatives. Also included will be a new children’s and family activity area with games, books, art activities, etc.
The new Great Hall of Shells is projected to open in late-spring 2024.
![Great Hall of Shells_01.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ac623a_93a7f6a19f3f4ebe9ac556066ed0ee8e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_76,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Great%20Hall%20of%20Shells_01.jpg)
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