This is the type of place that would be hard to imagine anywhere outside of NYC. Even for the city, the Evolution Store, at 120 Spring Street in SoHo, is extremely unusual. Click here for more photos. Open since 1993, they are a landmark in the neighborhood – ask anyone who lives here, and they most likely know the shop.
They sell animal (and human) skulls, fossils, meteorites, seashells, framed butterflies and beetles, anatomical models, medical posters, and tribal art. Many of their items are collectible and museum quality. Specimens are obtained from paleontologists, entomologists, anthropologists, and others who supply museums and private collectors from all corners of the world. They have an entomology workshop staffed by experts.
The shop staff itself is definitely pro-insect – when I was there, Kate was showing her live pet scorpion, whom she said was very docile. According to their website, all of the items are legally obtained and can be legally sold in New York State…
