Rendering of the project planned for the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel will soon break ground on an exciting new renovation project, estimated at $6 million.
The expansion program will transform the venue by introducing several new aquariums — what they’re calling “a living collection” — along with increased exhibit space.
The project, which will be completed by the end of 2019, will also include renovating the facade of the building and the front entrance. In addition, the entryway’s existing wooden staircase will be replaced with a two-story glass atrium.
The new “living collection” will include 10 to 15 aquariums – from 100 to 1,000 gallons – and a new state-of-the-art touch tank.
It will be the first aquarium in the world devoted solely to mollusks of all species and geographies. There will be local and non-local species, along with squid, octopus, cuttlefish and nudibranchs.
“You’ll be able to experience the ocean in a way you’ve never had the opportunity to experience it before,” explained Dorrie Hipschman, executive director of the museum.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is located at 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road on Sanibel.
For more, watch this special video to see how the museum will soon come alive!
