Andrea from Philadelphia

About me I’ve lived in Philadelphia since the late 90s and have a deep appreciation for my adopted city, with all its quirk, historic charm, lunacy, and grit. I have worked in European travel (for over 20 years at Untours, running programs in Italy and then directing communications and marketing there) and in local public media, at WHYY. I am currently the Communications Manager...

Mar 17, 2025

Material Culture Philadelphia

Anthropology museum or shop?

""Material Culture" in Philadelphia isn't just a store. It is a world. A global journey. An aesthetic trek through history & cultures..."

Material Culture isn’t just a store. It is a world. A global journey. An aesthetic trek through history and cultures. Enter this 60,000 square foot space - jam packed with antiques, art, crafts, architectural elements and ornate furniture - and be transported.

The shop occupies much of an old factory in a space off of the expressway, where Germantown and North Philadelphia meet. But enter into this hall, and your eyes do not know where to go first. Its lower floor is filled with Asian furniture, sculptures and collectibles that are arranged with a brilliant eye. There is a bazaar vibe here, a jam-packed abundance and visual richness that transports you to another world.

Upstairs, find more one-of-a-kind furniture and art installed with curatorial prowess. Up another staircase is the Colors by Padmini Boutique, a store-within-a-store that sells clothing, accessories and smaller gift items. (Things you could actually fit in your backpack, or your car.)

Also on site is Baba Olga’s Kitchen, which is hosting brunch and other events. In fact, the space is so impressive that Material Culture hosts weddings and special events, with their cafe offering global cuisine catering. Grab a snack in the shadow of a $ 2000 elephant sculpture.

Check the website for news and events, as they are regularly hosting concerts, auctions, fashion shows, or more exotic happenings, like the visiting Tibetan monks who create a sand mandala on site. I love to attend their special events. There’s always something fascinating happening here!

Art & culture

Coffee & tea

Shopping

About this spot

Wissahickon Avenue 4700

Coffee:

USD

Website

2158498030

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