Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium

About Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium

Seashell exhibits & play area for kids. Museum features interactive exhibits with a focus on local shells & a hands-on space for children. The Great Hall of Shells contains nearly 600,000 shells, representing one of the most extensive shell collections accessible to the public. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,483 visitors.

💬 What Visitors Say

• 💬Plan for 1-2 hours to see both floors comfortably. The first floor features the aquarium with touch tanks where you can interact with mollusks and starfish, while the second floor showcases an extensive shell collection with educational displays about shell history and sea life.
• 💡Don't miss the interactive touch tank on the first floor and the scavenger hunt activity—these are particularly engaging for kids and help make the learning experience more hands-on and memorable.
• 💡Take advantage of the unique 'okay to touch' policy on select shells throughout the exhibits. This is rare for museums and allows for a more tactile learning experience about shell collections.
• 💡Ask the knowledgeable staff or docents for recommendations on exhibits and to answer questions about sea creatures. They're noted for being particularly helpful and taking time to engage with visitors.
• 🕐Check for changing special exhibitions throughout the year focused on shells, science, conservation, and culture to find new content on return visits or to time your visit around topics of special interest.