Since the dawn of civilization, the shells have been intimately linked to the history of humanity and continue to exert a real fascination with the variety and diversity of their exotic shapes and spectacular color. When we look at our history, we see many examples of the wide use of shells for decoration or practical use, and as objects of collection and study.

Scientifically known as marine clams, freshwater or land, the shells are the outer covering of adaptive snails that inhabit the oceans, lakes and rivers in various circumstances and at various depths. They are usually found at sea, without the animals that lived there.

The Conchology – the study of shells and their collection – is still a little explored by Brazilian science, despite being a broad topic, able to enchant people of all ages and engage them at different levels, from amateur to scientific.

In Brazil, despite the vast coastline, the market is still incipient shells compared, for example, such as the Philippines, Indonesia and the United States. We have a museum of marine life in the city of Rio Grande / RS and other Oceanographic recently opened in the Itajaí Valley, but none specialized only in shells.

Our Museum of Shells (Museu das Conchas) in Imbituba / SC, has a collection of over 2,000 species of all shapes and sizes, national and international, cataloged, privately owned, exposed to public appreciation, in a private place without government support of any level.