Page Updated: September 18, 2023
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum - Sanibel Island FL
The only museum in the United States devoted completely to shells and mollusks, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island, FL works to educate on the conservation and preservation of shells, mollusks, and their ecosystems. Shell exhibits of the museum include some of the largest and rarest specimens in the world, and its aquariums include flamboyant cuttlefish, seahorses, and a Giant Pacific Octopus.
On September 28, 2022, Category 4 Hurricane Ian made landfall near the island of Cayo Costa, FL. Damage to the island and the surrounding greater Fort Myers area was catastrophic. Many communities lost businesses and homes. The determined began the arduous process of rebuilding. Others have chosen to move on.
If you didn’t know the US had a National Seashell Museum, you do now. If you’re ever in the greater Fort Myers area, the Bailey-Matthews National Seashell Museum on Sanibel Island is worth your time. Full of shells big and small, interactive displays, a couple of touch tanks, and several display aquariums; this is an excellent place to learn about shells and the creatures that make them.
I found I was especially appreciative of the Calusa exhibit. Since we had been to Pineland Site earlier in the leg and already learned a little about these Native American people, it was interesting to get even more details and the museum.
scenes from Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
-b&b
Sanibel Island
