The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium has opened two new exhibitions for the 2026 season: A Wondrous Phenomenon: Truth and Legend of the Giant Squid and Paradise Found: Seashells of the Caribbean. The Museum also recently welcomed a new Giant Pacific Octopus, which is now on view in the Living Gallery of Aquariums.
A Wondrous Phenomenon spotlights the amazing biology and behavior of the Giant Squid, which is the largest of the 85,000 known species of mollusks and the largest invertebrate animal on Earth, reaching a maximum length of over 40 feet. The exhibition also explores how the Giant Squid has inspired and influenced popular conceptions of the sea monster, from Moby Dick and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, to ‘’The Kraken’’ and battles with Sperm Whales. They are one of the most elusive and mysterious of all marine animals, occupying deep waters and seldom rising to the surface.
Paradise Found is curated by Dr. José H. Leal, Museum Science Director and Curator. It is a selection of some of the finest Caribbean shells from the Museum’s permanent collection, displayed together now for the first time. From the iconic to the rare, the exhibition presents exceptional specimens that are emblematic of the rich marine biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea.
Both exhibitions will be on view through the 2026 season and summer. They are made possible by a grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation. In the Living Gallery of Aquariums, a new Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO) has settled into his new home and is on view now for visitors. Museum aquarists worked during the first few weeks of its arrival to establish a relationship, and the octopus’s transition to the Museum has been seamless.
“The new Giant Pacific Octopus will enhance our visitors’ experience as they learn more about the diverse mollusks, shells, and marine life at the Museum,’’ said Jacob Chase, Senior Aquarist. “Join us for Keeper Chats daily at 11am and 2pm to learn exciting facts about our octopuses and other marine life.”
Giant Pacific Octopuses are the largest species of octopus. They have eight arms, three hearts, and blue blood. They are extremely intelligent and receive daily enrichment to encourage the species’ appropriate behavior.
“With these two new temporary exhibitions, a charming new GPO resident, and new permanent exhibitions, the Museum offers a fresh, engaging, and educational experience for visitors,” said National Shell Museum Executive Director Sam Ankerson. “We hope residents and visitors to the area alike will discover, or rediscover, the Museum this season.’’