The Evolution Store — Local services in New York

From reading reviews as well as gauging the reactions of the customers in the store, this is among the more polarizing shops around. Anyone who has done any kind of research or read a tourist guidebook is aware they sell human skeletons (completely legal and displayed tastefully) as well as taxidermied animals and butterflies. So if that kind of thing isn't your cup of tea, why go?

From my perspective this was utterly fascinating and unique. I view nature as something interesting and worthy of study and admiration. All their specimens are expertly worked on and displayed. Prices may seem high, but the amount of skill needed to fully disassemble a lobster (for example) as a natural history museum quality piece is really difficult to come by.

For those not interested in the museum quality pieces, there are plenty of fossils, geological specimens, books, and educational pieces. Gloriously strange objects like cross-sections of mineral encrusted water pipes, Fordite, meteorites, and the like. Some more basic 'museum giftshop' pieces as well, but it helps ensure people without hundreds of dollars to spend can find something of interest as...

If you're looking for the perfect set of skulls carved from vintage billiard balls, a 5' long snake skeleton, pieces from that special meteorite, a mounted butterfly collection, skeletons for your family closet, slices of colorful minerals, or geological decor . . . this is the place.

It's pricey, a little snooty, somewhat aloof staff, and a whole lot of fun. When our kids were younger, and Evolution was in Soho, we couldn't keep them away from the place. After it moved, we lost track. Just happened to walk by Saturday.

The store has improved. It's bigger than it used to be and seems more varied. The oddities are great! It's very entertaining. Prices are a bit high, but I think that's what you'd expect...

There are some places where it feels as if browsing if frown upon. This isn't one of those places. I happened to walk in at the same time as a mother and her young son. We were all browsing though the young boy was ready for his mom to purchase a taxidermied monkey.

I've walked passed this store so many times and occasionally stopping to view the windows. I am satisfied having finally stopped in. The items are unique, interesting, and reasonably priced--according to that mom though, excluding the taxidermied monkey. The staff is chill, helpful, and pleasant. Purchased items are mindfully wrapped so that delicate items travel well.

Stop by. Browse. Buy. Spark your...