Celebrate National Seashell Day with a Visit to the New Great Hall of Shells on Sanibel Island
If you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Sanibel this summer, the newly reopened Great Hall of Shells at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a must-see—especially with National Seashell Day right around the corner on June 20th.
As someone who has loved exploring Sanibel Island with my kids for years, I can honestly say that this museum holds a special place in our hearts. And now, after major renovations and a complete reimagining of its most iconic space, the museum is back with something truly extraordinary.
Phase 1 of the Great Hall of Shells Is Now Open
On May 24, the museum officially opened Phase 1 of its fully redesigned Great Hall of Shells, a permanent exhibit space that has been at the heart of the museum since it first opened in 1995. The updated exhibits are not just beautiful—they’re thoughtful, immersive, and incredibly well-curated.
These new displays feature a selection of the museum’s world-class collection of nearly 600,000 shells, showcasing global biodiversity, shell shapes and colors, and the fascinating story of mollusks across time and evolution. Some of the featured groups include cones, cowries, murexes, scallops, volutes, and carrier shells—all displayed with custom cabinetry and lighting that turns each specimen into a work of art.
Dr. José H. Leal, the Museum’s Science Director and Curator, shared that the goal was to show off “the stunning beauty and diversity of shells,” while also educating visitors about the essential role mollusks play in our ecosystems. And it really delivers.
A Comeback Story Rooted in Resilience
This isn’t just a new exhibit—it’s part of the museum’s larger recovery after Hurricane Ian caused significant damage in 2022. Rebuilding the Great Hall of Shells has been a labor of love and determination, and it’s exciting to see the first phase come to life. According to Executive Director Sam Ankerson, the vision is to make the Great Hall “one of the finest and most extensive public exhibitions of shells in the world”—and judging by what’s on display now, they’re well on their way.
I haven’t had a chance to visit the new exhibits in person yet, but I’ll be going soon with my two teens. The Shell Museum has always been one of our favorite educational spots in Southwest Florida, and I can’t wait to experience it through fresh eyes.
Looking Ahead: Phase 2 Coming Soon
Phase 2 of the exhibit is already in the works and is expected to open later this summer. It will include exhibits focused on Southwest Florida shells, world-record-sized shells, land snails, fossils, and the connection between shells and human creativity, culture, and conservation. Once complete, the full reinstallation of the museum’s exhibits will mark the end of their post-hurricane rebuilding journey.
Why You Should Visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
Whether you’re a longtime shell collector, a curious traveler, or simply looking for fun, educational things to do in Southwest Florida with kids, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium offers something special. It’s the only museum in the United States focused exclusively on shells and mollusks, and it’s right here on beautiful Sanibel Island.
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you can plan your visit or learn more at ShellMuseum.org.
This National Seashell Day, take a moment to celebrate nature’s tiny masterpieces—and consider supporting a local treasure that’s doing important work to educate and inspire visitors of all ages.
More Ways to Celebrate National Seashell Day in SWFL
Southwest Florida is one of the best places in the world to celebrate National Seashell Day, and there are so many fun and meaningful ways to enjoy it beyond the museum. Practice the Sanibel Stoop while you enjoy a shelling walk at Bowman’s Beach or Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel Island—both known for their incredible variety of shells and postcard-worthy views.
If you’re up for exploring beyond Sanibel, head to Fort Myers Beach and take a shelling tour, or head south to Naples, where Clam Pass Park offers a scenic boardwalk through a mangrove forest leading to a beautiful shell-covered beach. Nearby, Lowdermilk Park is a local favorite for families, with plenty of parking, restrooms, and great shelling right along the shoreline.
Want something more adventurous? Book a boat tour from Sanibel or Captiva to Cayo Costa State Park, a remote barrier island only accessible by boat. It’s one of the most pristine places for shelling in Florida, with long stretches of untouched beaches and very few visitors.
Prefer a guided experience? You’ll find a variety of shelling tours that offer half-day or full-day excursions, many of which include stops at places like Cayo Costa, North Captiva, or other lesser-known shelling hot spots.
And if you’re visiting with kids—or just want to get creative—end the day with a little hands-on fun using your beach finds. Our 10 Fun Seashell Crafts to Do With Your Kids This Summer has easy and fun ideas to turn your seashells into beautiful keepsakes.
