The Otherist
The little Curiosity Shop
The little store on Leliegracht is filled with lovingly collected works.
Butterfly boxes and iridescent green beetles, jewelry and antiques sit alongside handmade candles and artisanal soaps, while art prints hang above marvelous curiosities.
Apothecary cabinets and old glass display cases are filled to the brim, inviting exploration.
It’s nearly impossible to leave without a small treasure in tow.
The predecessors of today’s natural history museums were chambers of curiosities, called “Wunderkammern”.
During the age of great discoveries, starting in the 15th century, wealthy citizens and nobility would amass collections to showcase to their guests.
Curiosities, taxidermy, exotic technical devices, globes, maps, corals, pearls, ivory carvings and rock crystals were displayed alongside classical art in these chambers.
It wasn’t scientific rigor that took center stage, but rather a new worldly sophistication and the collector’s pride.
Those who, like us, carry such a collector’s passion will easily spend an entire afternoon at The Otherist.
