In New York, the Evolution Store blends retail and museum experiences, offering a space where you can shop among fascinating exhibits.

A hot-pink lollipop with a scorpion inside, a full-scale human skeleton, and a butterfly preserved in resin as a paperweight—just a taste of the curiosities here.

Not to be confused with the Museum of Natural History, the Evolution Store in Greenwich Village has been a cherished destination for science and art fans for 25 years, drawing both locals and visitors who can't help but ask questions.

In a city full of chain stores and luxury brands, the Evolution Store stands out as a thriving, family-owned business that's managed to remain a unique treasure.

Looking for a dinosaur tooth? They've got one.

Julianna Stevens, president of The Evolution Store, shares with Dinogo Travel that the store is most famous for its framed insects. She also mentions iconic items like bug candy, sharks in jars, taxidermied piranhas, turtle shells, alligator skulls, and raccoon penis bones.

However, Stevens is not just the president of the store.

She grew up above the store, which was originally located on Spring Street in SoHo before moving due to rising rents. Founded by her father, William 'Bill' Stevens, in 1993, she has worked in the store since childhood—starting with tasks like wiping counters, manning the register, and acting as a 'child ambassador' to make young visitors feel welcome.

Although Stevens initially studied psychology with plans to become a therapist, the pull of her family’s business was undeniable. After taking a 'temporary' role as her father’s assistant, she quickly got hooked on the business side and never looked back.

Many of the store’s most dedicated fans eventually become employees. 'We don’t often need to advertise for sales associates,' says Stevens. 'People reach out because they’re passionate about working here, and we keep their information on file.' While there's no formal test for potential hires, Stevens ensures they receive hands-on training so they can handle any questions that customers may ask.

'Most of the people we hire have backgrounds in art or science, which is what they bring to the team,' she says. 'We recently hired two new part-time associates who reached out to us because they love the store. One is a graduate student in entomology, and the other works as a gallery assistant.'

This sense of family is what gives The Evolution Store its unique feel—more like a hidden treasure trove in a relative’s basement than a sterile Park Avenue boutique where the staff ignores you.

Unlike typical museum exhibits where specimens are sealed behind glass or mounted on walls, The Evolution Store invites you to interact with its displays, including even the creepy crawlers like tarantulas. ('They feel like teddy bears!' says Julianna’s mother, Anne-Marie Peeters.)

'With so few physical stores remaining, we stand out by offering more than just products—we offer a true experience,' explains Stevens.

Social media has played a key role in the store’s success as well. Even when customers don’t buy anything, they often share photos online, creating a buzz for the store. This was especially helpful in 2015 when the store moved to its new location in the Village and regulars feared it had closed. Social media kept everyone updated and reassured.

The crowd itself adds to the experience—it's part of the show.

Like any true New York City landmark, the crowd is as captivating as the exhibits themselves—fossils, bones, and meteorites included.

Set designers from TV and film often visit The Evolution Store in search of props they can’t find anywhere else. Celebrities, too, flock here for unique gifts. The late 'Sopranos' star James Gandolfini once came in to find a specific taxidermied fish for a director, while DJ Deadmau5 recently purchased a rare two-headed calf for his home.

Will The Evolution Store continue to evolve? Stevens isn’t sure, but she has a five-year-old son who is already an avid fan of all things insect-related.

The Evolution Store, 687 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, +1 (212) 343-1114