Seashells Museum

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium (USA)

Located in Sanibel Island, Florida, this is the only museum in the United States entirely dedicated to shells and mollusks. It houses nearly 600,000 specimens along with aquariums and touch pools that bring marine life closer to visitors. The museum emphasizes education, with exhibits on shell biology, conservation, and the role of mollusks in ecosystems.

Kalashree Seashell Museum (India)

Found in Mysore, India, this museum highlights the artistic side of seashells. Instead of focusing only on scientific displays, it showcases sculptures and artworks made from shells, including an 11-foot Ganesha, a seashell replica of the Taj Mahal, and other cultural icons. It provides a creative perspective on how seashells inspire both art and admiration for nature.

Bangkok Seashell Museum (Thailand)

This three-story museum in Bangkok displays about 3,000 shells from 600 species. Highlights include giant clam shells and rare marine specimens. It combines educational exhibits with engaging displays and also offers a gift shop where visitors can purchase shell-themed souvenirs.

Phuket Seashell Museum (Thailand)

Located in Phuket, this museum is well known for its rare and unique shell collection, including fossil shells and exceptional pieces such as golden pearls. In addition to the exhibits, visitors can enjoy decorative shell crafts and browse the well-stocked souvenir shop.

Sea Shell Museum, Hervey Bay (Australia)

Situated in Queensland, Australia, this museum houses more than 50,000 marine mollusk specimens. Each is carefully catalogued with details about species, habitats, and localities. The museum also features mother-of-pearl artworks and shell crafts, making it both an educational and visually impressive attraction.

Cijin Shell Museum (Taiwan)

Located in Kaohsiung’s Cijin Seaside Park, this is one of Asia’s largest shell museums. It showcases over 2,000 shellfish specimens and around 200 types of shrimp and crabs. Highlights include rare Nautilus shells, the “Five Kings of Conch,” and a giant bivalve shell. With free admission, it has become a popular stop for both locals and tourists exploring Cijin Island.