Paxton Gate — Local services in Portland

There are two main downsides to this shop, first a fair bit of their stuff seems to be overpriced but it is to be expected at least somewhat for an in person store. Second and the bigger issue is that they sell bat specimens, which are ALWAYS illegally and unethical poached, this makes me feel a bit concerned about the rest of their items as if they're buying poached bats what else might they be stocking.

Plus sides: ~Lots of cool stuff to see if you want to just look around. ~Huge variety ~Classes and Insect Pinning Kits ~Posters, plants and rocks as well as dead stuff ~50 cent rocks! I wish I got more of these. ~Super cute pins! Only $9 I got a deaths head hawkmoth, it's a good quality pin I didn't notice any defects and its really gorgeous ~A lot of their smaller items were pretty reasonabley priced, I got a canine tooth, bobcat rib, snake vertebra, pin and 10 of the .50 rocks and my order was under $20

So overall I'd be wary of not buying anything likely to be wild caught such as Asian or African insects and the freeze dried toads as they may not be legally, sustainably or ethically sourced. Don't buy the bats at all. Don't buy bat specimens anywhere unless they're 2nd hand. And I'd compare prices a bit as well, the air plants were ridiculously priced at like $10 each (they're normally like $3-5 each or 3 for $5), some of their wet specs were also a bit overpriced.

But if you're looking for somewhere fun to check out or some cool rocks, fossils or taxidermy pieces...

This might be my favorite place in the whole world. The staff were wonderful, kind, and extremely knowledgeable!

On top of the normal curiosities and gift sundries, they even had large Viviennite specimens, meteorites, and strange fossil matrices! I not only found some of the things I'd been dreaming of putting in my own cabinet, but also some things I didn't know I needed (isn't that how it always happens), like display helpers, containers, and small pedestals.

Most of their animal specimens are extremely well kept and while some of their providences could not be verified due to mis-catalogued taxonomy (due to the uniqueness of some of the specimens) and nonexistent documentation (specificially for the fossils, which is entirely understandable), 95% of what they have in stock were humanely attained or acquired from private collections.

Even if you're not going in to buy anything, go in to have a look around anyway!

I had an absolute blast, and it was a great way to burn through time and my savings! XD

5 star venue - a must see for visitors and...

Greatest shop in Portland - find all your natural wonders, vintage oddities and science decor right here!

The shop is beautifully curated with all kinds of interesting items. Bones, taxidermy, fossils, books, science projects, tarot, antique medical equipment, perfumes, art and decor. There is something interesting, unique and sometimes macabre for everyone. We have grown our home collection of pinned bugs exclusively through Paxton Gate, and my engagement ring is from a jeweler we found by shopping their jewelry case.

Each employee is excited to share information about items, and they provide stellar service. We recently stopped in for gifts and took full advantage of the free gift wrapping services offered.

There is always something new, and you cannot go wrong visiting this place. Locally owned and a beautiful contribution to Keeping...