Shell museum reopens Living Gallery of Aquariums
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel reopened its Living Gallery of Aquariums to the public today, March 1.
The aquariums house a mix of mollusks, corals, fish and other marine life species as they did pre-hurricane. Species on exhibit include two-spot octopus, flamingo tongue, disco clam, giant clam, queen conch and more. Other species, such as the giant Pacific octopus, will be added in the near future.
In addition, the surrounding exhibits have been expanded to dive deeper into the biology and behavior of mollusks, dynamics of their ecosystems, and challenges and successes of their conservation.
“The goals of this undertaking were to grow the educational impact of the museum, to add value and enjoyment to the visitor experience and to create compelling, current displays,” Executive Director Sam Ankerson said.
With the aquariums open, the museum is also providing onsite opportunities for visitors, including daily Keeper Chats, Touch Pool Talks and a new mobile activity cart that features “Shell and Tell” shell identification. Each of the programs is included in the cost of admission. In addition, it continues to offer educational lectures, fieldwork, classes, research and K-12 programs.
The museum store is also open, with proceeds supporting the rebuilding efforts and recovery.
Work to renew and rebuild the permanent exhibits in the Great Hall of Shells on the second floor will continue through the spring. Once complete, outcomes will include over three times as many shells on display, expanded exhibits of conservation and environmental education, and new family activity area.
Admission fees have been reduced until the full restoration is completed.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5-17 and free for museum members and active military.
The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.ShellMuseum.org/.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.