Shell Museum

The museum occupies a compact space of 71 m² yet houses a remarkable collection. Specimens are organised by biological group, habitat, and world region. A dedicated section covers molluscs of the Slovenian Sea. Exhibits include shells, snails, chitons, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, and fossils.

Standout pieces include a 150 kg giant clam (Tridacna) from the Pacific Ocean – the largest shell in Slovenia – plus the shell of the world's largest sea snail, pearl oysters with natural and cultured pearls, and luminescent shells once traded as currency. Digital microscopes allow visitors to examine micro-molluscs smaller than a grain of sand.

The museum features touchscreen displays with educational animations and interactive stations for children. Tours are often led by the museum's founder, biologist Jan Simič, a recognised mollusc specialist. According to TripAdvisor ratings, it ranks among Slovenia's best educational museums.

Collection – 4,000+ shell and mollusc specimens from every continent (25,000 in storage)

Giant clam – 150 kg Tridacna from the Pacific, the largest shell in Slovenia

Microscopes – digital microscopes for studying micro-molluscs smaller than a grain of sand

Founder – biologist Jan Simič personally leads tours and answers questions

Awards – named among Slovenia's TOP 20 EU-funded projects in 2024

The museum opened on 13 September 2011 under the Piran MEDITERANUM institute, thanks to biologist Jan Simič – a collector who assembled one of the largest private shell collections in the region. Simič designed the exhibition, wrote the educational texts, and serves as its scientific director.

Over the years, the collection grew from 3,000 to over 4,000 displayed specimens (approximately 25,000 in storage). In 2024, the "Shell Museum Piran" project was recognised as one of Slovenia's TOP 20 EU co-funded projects. The museum aims to expand its exhibition space from 71 to 130–200 m² to showcase more of its collection.

From Ljubljana (130 km, 2–2.5 hours):

- Bus (Arriva/FlixBus) to Piran – from €7–15 (~$8–16)

- Car rental – via A1 through Koper, 1.5 hours

From Portorož (3 km):

- Walk along the seafront promenade – 30–40 minutes

- Free shuttle to Piran

Within Piran:

The museum is at Tartinijev trg 15 – first floor, entrance near Hotel Tartini. From the Fornače car park – 10 minutes on foot or free shuttle.

Season: Open year-round. Summer (June–September) – daily. Off-season – closed on Mondays.

Time of day: Mornings are quieter. A good option for a rainy day or a break from the beach.

Duration: 30–60 minutes; with the founder's tour, up to 1.5 hours.

Combine with: Conveniently paired with Aquarium Piran (100 m away) – total time for both museums 1.5–2 hours.