Internationales Muschelmuseum
Small museum in the old town hall of Hooksiel with a large collection of shells and snails from the North Sea and the world’s oceans.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The collection of the Hooksiel shell museum goes back to Georg Hempfling, who for many years gathered shells and snails from around the world. In 2012, the municipality of Wangerland took over the collection and made it permanently accessible in the historic center of Hooksiel.
The museum is housed in the so-called Altes Rathaus (old town hall) on Lange Straße. The building first served as a school, later as the town hall, and afterward housed the spa administration; most recently, parts of it were also used by the Künstlerhaus (artists’ house). During renovation of the old town center, the attic was converted.
On display are tiny as well as huge shells: species from the North Sea, as well as exotic shells and snails in striking colors, shapes, and patterns. About two-thirds of the collection consists of snail shells. Preserved specimens such as a shark, a parrotfish, and a large horseshoe crab, along with a model of a coral reef, round out the display. The museum shop sells shells, snails, and shell jewelry.
Highlights
- Shells and snails from tiny to huge
- North Sea species alongside exotic shells from around the world
- Specimens of shark, parrotfish, and horseshoe crab
- Model of a coral reef
- Museum shop with shells and shell jewelry
Permanent exhibition
- Muscheln und Schnecken der Nordsee und der Weltmeere – The permanent exhibition shows native and exotic shells and snails, plus preserved specimens and a coral reef model.
- Operated by
- Gemeinde Wangerland
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1Guests with a Kurkarte (resort guest card) |
| Children & teens | €1Children with a Kurkarte €0.50 |
With a Kurkarte: adults €1, children €0.50.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is accessible and wheelchair users can get in.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is located in the historic center of Hooksiel, in the former town hall with the striking onion dome, Lange Straße 18.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop with shells, snails, and shell or snail jewelry; special requests on request, as far as species protection allows.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours of the museum are offered on request. |
