Čarobni svet školjk
Museum in the centre of Piran with around 4,000 shells and snails from the seas of the world, and the largest collection of shells and snails of the Slovenian sea.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum with the permanent exhibition Čarobni svet školjk (The Magical World of Shells) opened on 13 September 2011 under the auspices of the Piran institute MEDITERANUM. It came about thanks to the biologist Jan Simič, a collector and owner of a large collection of shells and snails, of which a selected part is on display. Simič also designed the exhibition and is its professional head.
The collection currently holds around 4,000 specimens of shells and snails from all the seas and continents. Specimens from the Slovenian sea have a special place; besides marine specimens, examples from rivers, lakes and caves are also presented, as well as fossils and other creatures that share the seabed with them, such as crabs, starfish and sea urchins.
The exhibition is informative and nature-conservation oriented. Visitors see, among other things, the shell of the largest snail in the world, snail shells that because of their rarity belonged to the chiefs of island communities, shining shells and pearls. The museum is continually expanded with new specimens and stories; the mascot Slinko guides visitors through the exhibition.
Highlights
- Around 4,000 shells and snails from the seas and continents of the world
- Largest collection of shells and snails of the Slovenian sea and land
- Shell of the largest snail in the world and rare pearls
- Fossils, crabs, starfish and sea urchins from the seabed
- A short guided tour is included in the admission
Permanent exhibition
- Čarobni svet školjk – The permanent exhibition of around 4,000 shells and snails from the seas and continents of the world, with specimens from the Slovenian sea, fossils, crabs, starfish and sea urchins.
- Founded
- 2011
- Operated by
- Zavod MEDITERANUM Piran
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4children, students, pupils and groups of more than 7 people |
| Children & teens | €4Pre-school children enter free individually; pre-school groups pay €2 per person. |
| Students & apprentices | €4Students and pupils. |
| Groups (8+ people) | €4 per personGroups of more than 7 people: €4 per person; group escorts do not pay admission. |
| Families | €12Two parents and up to three children. |
A short guided tour is included in the admission price.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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 on the first floor of the building.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €12 · Two parents and up to three children. |
|---|
The museum is designed for children and adults; it is modern and interactive. Family tickets cost €12.
Getting there & parking
The museum is on Tartinijev trg (Tartini Square) in Piran, on the first floor; the entrance is through the underpass at the Hotel Tartini.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The website mentions a shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The entrance is through the underpass at the Hotel Tartini. The museum’s website provides admission information in German, English and Italian. |
