Peruse the magical world of the Shell Museum
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What lies beneath the ocean's surface has always fascinated and captured the world's attention. With numerous attempts to understand the mystery of the sea, one thing has always remained a source of delight, seashells. Wavecrest is known as a popular suburb in the seaside town of Jeffreys Bay, with stunning properties and amenities. The Shell Museum is one of the most popular draw cards in the town.
What to expect from the collection
With over 600 varieties of shells, the museum is home to a shell enthusiast's dream. It is one of the largest shell collections in the Southern hemisphere. Tourists from far and wide travel to Jeffreys Bay solely to witness this collection.
When you walk in, you are greeted by the array of shells behind glass cases. Everything is pristinely taken care of and displayed to show off the shells in all their glory. The exhibition is part of the Charlotte Kritzinger Collection and is an ode to dedicated shell collectors everywhere. Kritzinger was a local who started collecting shells with intricate and unique specifications. Some sample shells are handed out to visitors during a walk-through by a knowledgeable tour guide.
When is the best time to visit the museum?
Due to the wonderful climate Jeffreys Bay experiences, surfing is a huge part of the attraction. The Wavecrest Surfing School is nearby to provide the ultimate training in becoming an expert surfer. Many people flock to the destination to partake in the experience of being a resident of a holiday seaside town. The busiest time of the year for the town is definitely the summer months between December to February. The Shell Museum is open to the public from Monday to Friday between 10 am to 3 pm and Saturdays between 9 am to 2 pm. It is closed on public holidays.
History of the museum's collection
The museum first opened its doors in September 1998. Growing from the Charlotte Kritzinger Collection, the sheer scale of shells now on display has grown considerably. This is largely owing to donations and exchanges from the public. A recent addition of micro shells has been added to the collection and is thought of being unique to the Jeffreys Bay region. Some of the shells on display include the rare paper nautilus, new cone species, the legendary cowrie, tiny baby jam tarts and more.
How are seashells formed?
While it's easy to think of seashells as the pebbles of the ocean, they are actually the exoskeletons of snails, clams, oysters and other molluscs. These ocean creatures often separate from their shells, which are formed by 3 distinctive layers. It is composed of mostly calcium carbonate and very little protein. Every shell you see, no matter how big or small, was once the home of a living organism!
The shells are not immune to damage, but their protective layers prevent them from being eroded by salt water and other harsh elements.
The future of the museum
After a refurbishment in 2019, Shell Museum is set to be a touch point for the community of Wavecrest and the general area of Jeffreys Bay. There are now archives of important knowledge pertaining to the earliest fishermen and the history of the town. The museum hopes to attract visitors who are interested in learning about the culture of Jeffreys Bay and those who enjoy the art of collecting shells. Some shells are even available for purchase from the shell shops and stalls surrounding the premises and along the beaches.
A community like Wavecrest in Jeffreys Bay is ideal for small-town living with big holiday appeal. The safe, convenient suburb boasts a range of affordable homes that are easily accessible and highly coveted. Speak to one of our expert property practitioners today to experience the Seeff difference when it comes to finding your dream home.
Author: Seeff
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