The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will be closed on Tuesday, July 6th due to tropical storm conditions. We look forward to re-opening as soon as possible. Stay safe!
Or click to Shop Online anytime! ShellMuseum.org/store
Explore the Fascinating World of Mollusks
and the Beautiful Shells They Create
Explore Amazing Marine Animals and Shells of the World
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will be closed beginning Tuesday, September 27th due to storm conditions. We look forward to re-opening as soon as possible. Stay safe!
The National Shell Museum is a nationally accredited natural history museum that increases knowledge of and appreciation for mollusks and their shells using our collections, programs, and expertise to inspire learning, support scientific research, and tell the story of mollusks and their importance to our ecosystem.
100% of your tax-deductible contribution is used to support the Museum's mission to connect people to the natural world through their love of shells and the marvelous animals that create them.
The Museum is open, with these guidelines in place.
Daily: 10am to 5pm
Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve: 10am to 1pm
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day: closed
Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day: 12pm to 4pm

Free At-home Activities
Shell-related activities you can do at home!

Guided School Field Trips
We provide your students with an extensive education on the world of mollusks! As they rotate through four stations, they'll learn about mollusk growth, habitats, reproduction, and feeding.
Time: Mon–Thu at 10:30am
Price: $10 per student
Capacity: 10–60 students
Mollusks Online
Learn about the fascinating world of mollusks as one of our marine biologists brings the museum and wonders of shells and mollusks virtually to your classroom!
Mollusks on the Move
This interactive experience brings LIVE mollusks right to you! School presentations focus on mollusk feeding, reproduction, and conservation and the importance of observing the natural world. We also bring our live touch pools to garden clubs, festivals, and other special events.

I want to become a member and take my membership card home with me today. Is that possible?
Yes. Let one of our front desk associates know, and they will notify the membership department to print your card. Check back with the front desk before you leave, and they will present the card to you.
Once I become a member, how do I check in at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum?
Present your membership card to our front desk associates.
What if I leave my membership card at home when I visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum?
Our front desk staff can look you up either by member number or last name and grant you entrance into the Museum.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum connects people to the natural world through their love of shells and the animals that create them.
One of the best things to do on Sanibel, the Museum offers fun and educational activities for the whole family. Kids love touching live mollusks in our touch pools, winning scavenger hunt prizes, and watching our Giant Pacific Octopus. Come visit the only museum in the United States devoted solely to shells and mollusks!
"This museum was one of the reasons my shelling-obsessed daughters and I came to Sanibel. We were not disappointed!"
—TripAdvisor Contributor abstill
"We took our kids ages newborn-16 to the shell museum and we were impressed... The tank talk was interesting and fun and the guide was super kind taking time to answer all of our children’s questions."
—TripAdvisor Contributor Mommyoffiv
"They really cater to smaller clientele: a scavenger hunt and toddler friendly area that little hands can play, touch, explore."
—TripAdvisor Contributor R3dH3dGrl