With more than 4.5 million specimens, our Malacology research collection is, by far, one of the largest at the Museum.

The more than 200 specimens displayed in our shells exhibit are just a fraction of our behind-the-scenes collection. However, the exhibit showcases an intriguing and incredibly diverse mix of shells from around the world, including seashells, land and freshwater shells, as well as many rare, endangered and extinct shells.

You’ll see a wide range of designs and colors. Shell sizes run the gamut too from 1.3 mm to a whopping three feet.