About Nova Shell Museum
Nova Shell Museum is a privately owned natural history museum located in Poblacion, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines. It houses one of the largest shell collections in the Philippines, assembled over decades by collector Quirino Hora. The museum displays thousands of sea shells, including rare and giant specimens, along with corals, fossils and marine artifacts, highlighting the marine biodiversity of Bohol and the Philippines.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a compact indoor museum with floor-to-ceiling display cases containing thousands of shells arranged by size, species and origin. Exhibits include cowries, cones, murex, giant clams and rare specimens, plus corals, dried marine life and shellcraft items. The setting is a simple two-storey building with guided explanation available, allowing close viewing and photography of the collection in a quiet, educational environment.
Key highlights
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Extensive collection of thousands of Philippine and international sea shells
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Rare and giant specimens including giant clams and cone shells
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Collection assembled by local collector Quirino Hora over several decades
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Displays of corals, fossils and shellcraft alongside shells
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Educational overview of marine biodiversity of Bohol and the Visayas
History of Nova Shell Museum
The museum was established by Quirino Hora, a Panglao native who collected shells for more than 30 years. His private collection grew to thousands of specimens and was opened to the public as Nova Shell Museum to preserve and showcase the marine natural heritage of Bohol.
Culture & Context
The museum showcases the Philippines' rich marine biodiversity and the local tradition of shell collecting and shellcraft in Bohol. It serves as an educational resource on marine conservation and the cultural appreciation of natural history in the island community.
Route
| By air | Fly to Bohol-Panglao International Airport, then 10-15 minutes by road to the museum. |
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