Shell museum opens new exhibits, welcomes octopus
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel reported that it has opened two new exhibitions for the 2026 season, as well as recently welcomed a new giant Pacific octopus.
“With these two new temporary exhibitions, a charming new giant Pacific octopus resident, and new permanent exhibitions, the museum offers a fresh, engaging and educational experience for visitors,” Executive Director Sam Ankerson said. “We hope residents and visitors to the area alike will discover, or rediscover, the museum this season.”
“A Wondrous Phenomenon: Truth and Legend of the Giant Squid” spotlights the biology and behavior of the giant squid. It is the largest of the 85,000 known species of mollusks and largest invertebrate animal on Earth, reaching a maximum length of over 40 feet. The exhibit also explores how the giant squid has inspired and influenced popular conceptions of the sea monster, from “Moby Dick” and “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas,” to the Kraken and battles with sperm whales. They are one of the most elusive and mysterious of all marine animals, occupying deep waters and seldom rising to the surface.
“Paradise Found: Seashells of the Caribbean” is curated by museum curator and Science Director Dr. José H. Leal. It is a selection of some of the finest Caribbean shells from the permanent collection, displayed together now for the first time. From the iconic to the rare, the exhibit presents exceptional specimens that are emblematic of the rich marine biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea.
Both exhibitions will be on view through the summer.
They are made possible by a grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation.
In the Living Gallery of Aquariums, the new giant Pacific octopus has settled into his new home and is on view now for visitors. Museum aquarists worked during the first few weeks of its arrival to establish a relationship, and the octopus’s transition to the museum has been seamless.
Giant Pacific octopuses are the largest species of octopus. They have eight arms, three hearts and blue blood. They are extremely intelligent and receive daily enrichment to encourage the species’ appropriate behavior.
“The new giant Pacific octopus will enhance our visitors’ experience as they learn more about the diverse mollusks, shells and marine life at the museum,” senior aquarist Jacob Chase said. “Join us for Keeper Chats daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to learn exciting facts about our octopuses and other marine life.”
For more information, visit ShellMuseum.org or call 239-395-2233.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.