The museum with its permanent exhibition the Magical World of Shells opened on September 13th 2011 under the auspices of the Piran MEDITERANUM institute thanks to the biologist Jan Simič, a collector and owner of a big collection of shellfish and snails, a selection of which is shown in the museum. Jan Simič arranged and enriched the exhibition as well as accompanied it with educational texts. He is also the exhibit’s head specialist.
The Piran’s Magical World of Shells Museum is an exceptional and unique museum that currently holds 4000 different specimens of shellfish and snails from all the seas and continents of the world.
The specimens of our Slovenian sea have a special place and significance. The museum is the only one of its kind in Slovenia and a rare example of its kind in the world. It holds not only “sea” representatives, but also specimens found in rivers, lakes, caves…; as well as fossils and different other creatures who share the seabed with shellfish and marine gastropods, such as crabs, starfish, sea urchin, etc.
The museum is designed in a highly informative manner promoting environmental awareness and nature conservation. Its visit is a unique and unforgettable experience. The museum is constantly expanding and improving with new specimens and stories and no matter how often you visit, it will always surprise you with something new.
You just have to visit the Magical World of Shells exhibition, where you’ll dive into the depths of sea and get acquainted with the creatures so uniquely shaped and patterned any architect would envy.
