One more place to enjoy near Sanibel Island in Florida
The expansion of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum took place in 2020. On the ground floor, you can explore 11 different aquarium exhibits that feature various mollusks. These exhibits include a giant octopus, living shells, and touch pools. Sadly, Hurricane Ian caused flooding on this level. However, the museum found a temporary solution by opening its original second-floor exhibits in February 2023.
One of the highlights is the Great Hall of Shells, where you can marvel at specimens from all over the world. This exhibit also assists visitors in identifying any treasures they may have discovered while exploring the nearby seashore. Two popular displays are the sailors’ valentines, which are beautiful shell artworks crafted by Barbadian women in the 19th century for visiting sailors to bring home to their loved ones. Another exhibit portrays the life of the Calusa Native Americans, who used shells as tools and building materials when they resided near the Southwest Gulf.
Travelers who visited the museum before the hurricane were pleasantly surprised. They were impressed by the interactive exhibits and found the displays to be informative. The museum employees also received positive feedback for their helpfulness and knowledge.