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!
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
You probably already know Philadelphia is famous for its cheesesteaks, but who has the best? It's "Dalessandro's Steaks & Hoagies" in Roxborough...
by
"Pho Ha" in Philadelphia is a thoroughly authentic & extremely inexpensive spot. I like getting coconut milk and coffee and I leave satiated every time...
by
"Kim's BBQ Restaurant" Philadelphia is one of the most authentic Korean BBQ restaurants in America. I like to order their O-Same Bulgogi and Mauen Kalbi...
by
"Milkcrate Cafe" in Philadelphia is a bright corner coffee spot that plays great tunes and dishes out healthy sandwiches and new and used vinyl records!
by
“Philly Vintage Bazaar” is a vintage clothes shop that gets everything right!
by
"Vault & Vine" in Philadelphia is a cafe inside a greenhouse. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius. I come here almost every weekend with my pug...
by
"The Percy Street Project" is a public art installation in Philadelphia planned to span the entire 1300 block. Come at night to see 'The Electric Street'.
by
"Nunu" is an Asian fusion bar/restaurant in Philadelphia. I love it best on a cold day when I'm craving a cocktail and warm snacks. Perfect for dates!
by
"Suraya" just might be the best restaurant in Philadelphia right now. If you love the flavors of the Levant, that you're going to love it, too...
by
My favorite thing about the "Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion" by far is that it's very community-focused: I was toured by a local 4th grader!
by
"Spruce Street Harbor Park" is a true gift of the city of Philadelphia to its citizens, an ode to summer itself... I'll be there in a hammock!
by
The "Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup" in Philadelphia appears every Tuesday & Thursday, come rain or shine! Great opportunity to try a few of them at once...
by
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips