"Unlike on land, the underwater world preserves the essence of natural forms in their purest state without losing their original beauty. The sea holds countless prototypes of nature's designs..." — Kazuo Kurohara

"I’m not sure if this is truly the most beautiful way to see shells, but when a faint light filters down from above into the dim sea, and you look at a shell in the light, I think it gains a translucent, transparent beauty…" — Masako Hayashi

The Seashell Gallery opened in 1967. The tens of thousands of shells and corals on display were collected by Kazuo Kurohara (1928–2018), a Western-style painter from Tosashimizu City. Visitors can admire specimens ranging from those found in the waters off Tosa to rare treasures from around the world.

The building was designed by architect Masako Hayashi (1928–2001). She carefully crafted both the spatial design and exhibition methods to beautifully showcase Kurohara's collection.

Welcome to The Seashell Gallery, a one-of-a-kind space where the wonders of natural form and spatial design intersect!