Sanibel Island Museums: International Museum Day
It really has been a great weekend. Why, you ask? Because today is International Museum Day! My family and I started the celebration on Friday because many of the Sanibel Island museums aren’t open today. We’ve had a whirlwind tour of the island and were reminded of all of the great things Sanibel has to offer.
Check out the below list of museums you can explore during your visit. I’ve included hours and some general info about each to help you pick your favorites.
Happy Museum Day!
Sanibel Island Museums
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Open Daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Museum Mission: To educate about shells and mollusks, the shell-makers, through exhibits, educational programs, library services and publications; To further awareness of nature and the natural environment; To promote collection-based research on shells and mollusks with emphasis on Southwest Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village was founded in 1984 with a mission to preserve and share Sanibel history. The story of Sanibel is told from the Calusa and Spanish eras to the early pioneer families who settled on the island in the 1800s. It tells of warriors, adventures, fishermen, farmers and proprietors.
Seven historic buildings were moved from their original island sites to the Historical Village. Each building has been restored to its original state. Volunteer docents share the stories of Sanibel with almost 10,000 visitors a year. Join us as we follow the footsteps of the past.
BIG Arts Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, (May through October) During the summer the Herb Strauss Theater Box Office opens one hour prior to show.
Known as Sanibel and Captiva’s home for all the arts, BIG ARTS has been providing cultural enrichment and fulfillment to island residents and visitors since 1979. BIG ARTS began when a group of artists dreamed of a cultural center on the island. Today, BIG ARTS members and participants enjoy a wide spectrum of performing and visual arts events, and the community participates in more than 200 educational classes and workshops each year.
C.R.O.W. Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (May through November)
Each year, CROW cares for over 4,000 wildlife patients and more than 200 species of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife patients in its veterinary hospital, which is one of the nation’s leading rehabilitation facilities for native and migratory wildlife. The organization also operates educational fellowship and externship programs for undergraduate students, and internship programs for veterinarian graduates. Additionally, CROW educates members of the public through presentations, exhibits and live video footage at its Healing Winds Visitor Education Center.
J. N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge Open Everyday except Fridays and holidays
Supporting nature conservation, wildlife protection and education efforts for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island in Southwest Florida.
