Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

Category: Museum

Address: 3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957, USA

Phone: +12393952233

Opening hours

Sunday: 10AM–5PM

Monday: 10AM–5PM

Tuesday: 10AM–5PM

Wednesday: 10AM–5PM

Thursday: 10AM–5PM

Friday: 10AM–5PM

Saturday: 10AM–5PM

Reviews

Mike Cozzi

Sep 25, 2022

Very interesting place. The front desk person could have been happier when receiving guest, but other than that it was very enjoyable. The live petting tanks were fun.

Hannah Duet

Sep 22, 2022

Wow! We love what they have done since the remodel! Went with my two little ones(1&4) and they enjoyed the exhibits and touch pools! We enjoyed the presentations by the marine biologists. Everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable. A must see when visiting beautiful Sanibel!

Nicole Buzello

Sep 20, 2022

A small and yet very lovingly designed museum all about the shell. There is even an interesting quiz for children that you can load onto your smartphone using a barcode. We learned a lot about mussels and other sea molluscs and are happy to recommend the museum to others.

W AJM

Sep 9, 2022

Way overpriced. Not a lot of hands on exhibits, kids 9,7,5 were bored very quickly, more fun getting a shell identifier and going to the beach. Sad we blew$80 Go straight to gift shop instead of touring, spend your $$ there

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Questions & Answers

Is it possible to visit the gift shop without paying to enter the museum fully?

Katie Boudreau | Sep 29, 2020
Lucy Hazelet | Sep 29, 2020

Yes!

Does anyone know who made the beautiful rainbow/oil slick(?) paintings that are hung up randomly? Or the dot art. Wonderful trip overall

Alexander Sampson | Mar 3, 2022
Beth B. | Mar 3, 2022

No, but I would like to follow to know as well!

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What percentage of (non-interactive) displays are ACTUAL shells, and what percentage are just PHOTOS of shells?

Roger Preston | Mar 3, 2022
jamie bouchard | Mar 3, 2022

I'm sorry I couldn't tell you off memory.

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How much time will u spend here?

Anam Khan | Sep 29, 2020
FRYM M | Sep 29, 2020

We spend like 1hour great place to go.

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I have been watching the octopus exhibit and have not seen our special little one for several days? How come?

merry Horvath | Aug 30, 2022
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum | Aug 30, 2022

He's just hiding out of the camera's view. He is still in his exhibit and adjusting to his new home.

Is the facility wheelchair accessible?

Jim Bremer | Jul 31, 2022
Charles Keezer | Jul 31, 2022

Yes. Elevator inside and Access to main floor is ADA approved.

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When is it the best time to collect shells at the local beaches? Do you offer field trips along the beaches?

Zoraida Colon | Sep 29, 2021
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum | Sep 29, 2021

Anytime can be shelling time! Generally beat when tide is low which varies everyday and by location. The shell museum does offer a daily beach walk that you can reserve/purchase on the website. Shellmuseum.Org

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Have a friend that died this week,has a beautiful collection which her roommate would like to donate,please advise on how this can happen

judy hill | Sep 29, 2021
Val Smitty | Sep 29, 2021

I would contact the museum to see if they would like it or know if a place that would. My condolences on your friend. Prayers for all.

When you had a shop in the Sanibel Outlets that the store was there while construction was being done at the museum. I bought seething there and the woman tod me that you were going to have something like an aquarium at the museum. Do you? Dorothy

A Google User | Sep 29, 2021
David Velazquez | Sep 29, 2021

I visited yesterday. There is not what I would call an "aquarium" there, but there are exhibits with some live critters in them. Some fish, mostly mollusks or other shelled creatures and also a touch tank. I definitely enjoyed myself and would recommend a visit, but I don't think I would call it an aquarium.

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Is it possible to change the date on tickets purchased due to illness

Kathy Gagliardi | Sep 29, 2021
Andy Abel | Sep 29, 2021

While I don't have a concrete answer, the staff is very kind and understanding. I suggest giving them a call and explaining the situation -- I don't feel like you'd be met with much fight :)

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How can I find out what a seashell is worth I have a seashell that has turned into quartz

LORI BENNETT | Sep 30, 2019
jim alexander | Sep 30, 2019

Ask them maybe they can help

Is everything temporarily closed?

Chris Vaulter | Sep 30, 2019
Bob Roth | Sep 30, 2019

The museum is closed until July 5th as mentioned above.

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How much to enter

Ruth moon | Sep 30, 2019
leta brandeberry | Sep 30, 2019

I thought we paid 11 dollars. It's worth every penny. You can even go in back and make shell crafts which is included in price. Also a must see is the continuous 15 min movie they show. We were not going to watch it but we were so glad we did. It was very interesting about shells and the left handed shells we learned about in movie. It's a good place to visit!

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Are there any discount days?

Tanya Peters | Sep 30, 2018
Dan Kresan | Sep 30, 2018

They have discounts for many groups. Ask for their list. I got one for being part of a medical association

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what is the entrance fee

Norm Helen | Sep 30, 2018
louise popkin | Sep 30, 2018

Look on the website.

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Is there food there

Unhappy DOG | Sep 30, 2018
Kevin Alan Halleck | Sep 30, 2018

Only vending machines

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Hi, my family and I were in your museum several years ago. Loved it! At that time I bought SEVERAL glass cylinders to display my treasures. Do you still carry those.? I NEED more! 🐚

Ruth Levasseur | Sep 30, 2017
Marc Forrester | Sep 30, 2018

When I was at their gift shop, I didn’t notice any.

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