Malacological Museum Makarska: The World’s Largest Shell Collection

The Malacological Museum Makarska is located within the Franciscan Monastery and was opened in 1963 in the old part of the Franciscan Monastery. That part of the monastery is otherwise a protected cultural monument. The collection of the Malacological Museum in Makarska contains more than 3,000 specimens of shells. The museum was remodeled, renovated, and equipped with multimedia content in 2019 and is a great place for all generations.

Malacological Museum Makarska History

The Franciscan monastery in Makarska has existed since the 15th century. Then the Franciscans arrived in Makarska and built a church, and not long after that a monastery. Through many centuries, the Franciscans created a rich collection of the library, which has about 5,000 books, 24 incunabula, many magazines, and manuscripts.

The Malacological Museum of the Franciscan Monastery was founded in 1963 by Dr. Fr. Jure Radić with a collection of shells from the Adriatic and the whole world. There is also a herbarium of the plants of Mount Biokovo and several paleontological collections

In addition to shells from our sea, there are also shells from Hawaii, Oceania, California, China, Japan, the Caribbean, Australia, Madagascar, Tanzania, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Red Sea, Antarctica, and the Coral Barrier. The museum is surrounded by a collection of living autochthonous plants from the Biokovo mountain.

Malacological Museum Makarska: Who Should Visit? 

A visit to the Malakological Museum in Makarska is ideal as a break from the beach and summer joys, but also as a good activity in the pre-and post-season months. If you are only in Makarska on a one-day trip, do not miss including this museum in your schedule. The museum is interesting for all generations and almost everyone can find something interesting for themselves and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the monastery.

Malacological Museum Makarska Tickets 

Tickets for the Malacological Museum are paid in cash at the entrance to the monastery.

Ticket prices:

Adults €6.00

Family ticket €8.00

Children up to 7 years of age, Croatian veterans, and people with disabilities have free entry.

Malacological Museum Makarska Working Hours 

In the summer months, the Malacological Museum is open twice a day, in the morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and in the afternoon from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (except in case of holding some special events within the monastery).

In winter, the visit must be arranged by phone or e-mail in advance.

How to get to the Malacological Museum? 

A visit to the museum is a perfect part of getting to know the city of Makarska and the easiest way to get there is on foot, as part of your walk around the city. The museum is located at the very beginning of the Riva (main promenade). If you come by car, as of this year, the monastery has a parking lot where you can leave your vehicle near the museum.

Photo:Makarska.hr