What a lovely gallery located amidst a sea of dusty, Chinatown shops. HoyPoloi has very unique items- some glass works, sculptures, jewelery, artwork, wind chimes, etc. Upon walking in, you immediately feel calmed and a step away from the cacophony of what Chinatown is on a weekend. Calming music is playing and the smell of incense permeates the air. We were immediately greeted upon entering and directed to an area where I hoped to find a unique birthday gift for a friend. The shop is divided into two rooms with even an area of unique toys for children in the back. Prices are as expected for a gallery of this nature, but definitely a little pricey if you compare them to all the other shops along this strip. But nothing else on this stretch of Wentworth compares. As I worked my way from one room to the next- I could think of other people I knew who would love a gift from a store like this. I was curious as to why this location was chosen as it just doesn't seem to fit the neighborhood. There was nothing particularly Chinese about this place (although there are a couple of Chinese novelties by the counter). But then the sales person heard me wondering aloud to a friend and she did tell me that the owner is Chinese American and wanted to support the neighborhood and feels that the gallery will stand on it's own. A lovely and interesting shop that I will return to again. And as for that birthday gift I was looking for? Hand painted martini glasses for a martini loving friend! read more

This little gallery & shop is a treasure! From the outside, located in Chicago's Chinatown, it just looks like a little shop like many of the others surrounding it, but when you walk in, SURPRISE! It's so much more, it's definitely a diamond in the rough. There are so many interesting and eclectic products that it can take you a couple of hours or more to really enjoy everything they have to offer. I found myself taking several mental notes on all the beautiful home decorations that I want to place in my future house to beautify it and make it unique. They have a lot of eastern inspired products from middle eastern to asian. There were also these mosaic mirrors that were just wonderful! A perfect vanity mirror or conversational piece in the living room. The owner remembered the little ones too, there was an area of gifts and toys for children too! When you step over to the gallery side, my first thought was, WOW! This artist is truly talented. His worked ranged from beautiful flower paintings to animals, to dr. seuss!! I loved the dr. seuss paintings and the artistic looking lamps. I'm looking forward to visiting Chicago again very soon and often! And I'll be sure to be stopping by this little treasure each time, even if I just want to day dream =) read more

Sometimes there is an especially beautiful day or I experience an intense emotion and I want to be able to capture that essence and revisit it... but, as one of my favorite books (The Elegance of the Hedgehog) explains, beauty is in the temperance. I guess we all have been indoctrinated with that philosophy. I've often heard jealous or resentful individuals talk about a person possessing rare physical beauty by discussing how that person can't stay pretty forever. I digress. HoyPoloi has a lot of artwork and gift items that capture beauty and emotion. I've seen art that entrances my attention. There is wall art, table art, and sculptures. A lot of it seems childish: glass animals, fanciful paintings, and even Dr. Seuss! My current favorite is some sand art by Klaus Bösch. He secured sand and water between two plates of glass in a wooden frame. The sand drifts through air bubbles and creates stormy vistas when flipped. The price-tags on the artwork at HoyPoloi are heftier than my means but fair. For example, the cheapest sand art by Klaus Bösch is $60. A small glass animal (about the size of my fingernail) is about $2-5. There are a plethora of appealing gift and novelty items that are affordable for folks like me. They have books, stationery, plush toys, and other quirky items. Those items are reasonably priced; however, they're probably more expensive than incense, Chinese coins, or pork buns sold at nearby China Town stores. I didn't notice much about the customer service until my last visit to HoyPoloi. I think it's because Dad and I were the only customers in the store and had the undivided attention of the sales clerk. He chatted with us and provided neat antidotes about the artwork and artists. He didn't pressure us to buy anything and I felt comfortable when I bought stationery from him at 50% off. My family always includes HoyPoloi in our stops when we visit China Town. Even though it has nothing (or very little) to do with China, I think it's worth a trip for you also. It's nice to see beauty captured so well and nestled in such a surprising neighborhood. read more

My best friend since 7th grade got married a few weeks ago. She and I haven't officially fallen out, but I may or may not be a little hurt that I wasn't asked to be a bridesmaid and that she has yet to address that. Anyway - I had to travel for work on the day of her wedding - but still wanted to get her a little something that could maybe mend the fence a little bit. Well - by the time I checked her 2 registries, all that was left was rubbermaid containers. Yeah - nothing says: "I'm still your friend" like food storage, right? Well I was visiting mom and we passed this store - and of course found the perfect little wall plaque-type thing that said something about love that was absolutely perfect. The ladies at Hoypoloi wrapped it up for me in pretty colors (including Green...her wedding color). And when mom and I split the cost, it wasn't very expensive at all. Mom just mailed the present today, so I'll hear back on what she thought (hopefully) soon. But 5 stars for a gift to bring 2 friends back together. read more

I have to respectfully disagree with Angy O's review. I think there is more than enough space in all of Chinatown for HoyPoloi. I saw the gallery as a nice change in pace from the other shops lining South Wentworth. I actually went out of my way to introduce myself to an associate while I was in there, who was friendly and most helpful. She told me that the owner is a second-generation Chinese American artist -- as opposed to a "hipster/yuppie sell out" -- who wanted to support the neighborhood and keep the business in Chinatown, which I applaud. It's true: some of the items on their shelves are "useless," and some of the prices on a few of their original pieces are a little steep, but all in all, HoyPoloi is a breath of fresh air amidst the repetitive, overstocked shops of the area. Some of the hand-blown glass artwork is genuinely impressive and they also have an assortment of other boutiquey miscellaneous products like chess boards, books, lanterns, tsotchkes, etc. I recommend stopping in if you're out in the area. read more

I LOVE this place. Everytime my family and I head in to Chinatown we always make a stop at the HoyPoloi "an uncommon" Gallery. Now I will admit there was a time there that I was thinking this place is getting expensive and I thought the artist work was getting bad. Because we use to always pick up some item that we thought was cool art and a reasonable price. But then we had a stretch of expensive art that we did not like. And I was starting to get ready to give up on the Hoypoloi. But then yesterday's visit turned things around. My family and I found a couple of reasonably priced trinkets to purchase and some very friendly customer service. Now the only thing I wish is that my kids were through with college so I could start spending my hard earned money on some cool art for our humble abode. read more

Beautiful unique place with an eclectic mix of art, goods and trinkets. A standout. Don't get me wrong, I love wandering the dusty little chinatown shops crowded full of random cheap import stuff, but it's nice walking into a place that's a little more refined. The quality of goods is high, the prices are what I'd expect at a boutique, but what really draws me in is the collection. The holographic postcards, toys, wooden boxes, games, clocks and art I haven't seen in other stores or have only found in museum stores. You find the same kind of items in many of the import stores, they start blending tougether (at least three of them share the same owner). Hoypoloi is the place I'd buy a nice gift for my brother or parents. read more

Other positive reviews hit Hoypoloi it on the mark--this is a wonderful shop that really does stand out. A year or so I met the owner (one of the owners?), and he was exceptionally nice and happy that I've shopped in his store for years. They're one of the few shops in Chicago which has a sizable selection of Judaica--exquisite menorahs, dreidels mostly. The shop isn't large, but what they have is truly fabulous and fun. After strolling the gritty sidewalks and shops along Cermak and Wentworth, this is truly a positive oasis of sensory stimulation. read more

Walking through Chinatown this weekend after having lunch with my friends and a powder blue chandelier caught my eye. I walked in and fell in love with this store. It has all kinds of art and kitschy little trinkets. I bought a Romero Britto jewelry box and my friend bought a very unique business card holder. The lady who helped me was extremely nice and friendly and knowledgeable. I will definitely be back for the chandelier. You should stop in and browse the next time you are in the area. read more

I'm a big fan of this gallery and always try to visit when I'm in Chinatown...it's so not what you would normally expect in a Chinatown boutique! You could pick up this place and move it to Southport and it would fit perfectly, but the fact that it's in Chinatown makes it that much more interesting. Beautiful artwork, religious items (both Jewish and Christian), jewelry and such. I always walk out of here with something and it's definitely worth a visit! read more

Love this place! It has a strange location, but I always love stopping in here. They have a great mix of stuff to go through. There are lovely wall plaques/picture things, unique clocks, gorgeous figurines, spiritual books, and trendy Asian dolls. Doll isn't really the right word, but I can't think of anything else to call them. I will say the Asian dolls are cute and modern and would be loved by most female teens. Actually, females of all ages will find something in this store. Men like this store too, but for some reason they can't ooh and aah over everything for long periods of time. Go figure. I went into their other room (you have to ask for permission) and the furniture and artwork is breathtaking. Way too expensive for me- I was afraid to breathe for fear I would break something. read more

This is one of the only really high end stores that I have seen in Chinatown. There are lots of gorgeous home decorations in here, such as lamps, fountains, and artwork. read more

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a must visit on any trip to chinatown! EXCELLENT for gifts! everything from here shouts HAND-PICKED. I'm inspired each time I visit, as their inventory is constantly changing. You'll find anything from bags made from recycled billboards, to the most adorable little japanese dolls, to the recently uncovered "Secret Art of " Dr. Seuss. my favorite is the multi-layered- glass artist in the back right corner. read more

Overdue by far... I came to this shop on a snowy day in January/February or something around that time. I was completely fascinated by Fabio Napoleoni, whose work I had never seen before. The colors were vibrant, the lines sharp and the messages of some of his work resonated well within me. Within a few weeks, I bought my first "official" art, one of his, and had it framed. I'm a fan of this store because, aside from the Fabio works, they have a number of other great artists represented, and some amazing pieces of Suess artwork (check out the standing dresser (if you would call it that) if it's still available. The service level provided was outstanding. Our host/staff noted that the shop was closing for a short time for the winter, but could access the work that I wanted and ship it from their Chicago O'Hare store (which I later visited a couple of times while on layovers). In addition to shipping it out to me, it also saved me the cost of Chicago sales tax. (Hooray for out of state...) I've become a great fan of Fabio's works and will collect more over time. Very likely, it will all be through this wonderful shop due to the initial visit and exemplary service. read more

This hip little store just bought the storefront next to them and added more floorspace. Whenever we are visiting Chinatown, we always stop in at Hoypoloi and look at the home decor we would love to have but hate to buy. We did buy one thing from there, a large, colorful, hand-carved clock that is shaped like an owl. It is a very funky looking piece of art, and we had admired it for some time before actually throwing down 1 week's pay to take it home. It now hangs in our living room and is the FIRST thing people comment on when they visit. I would imagine that you might have a similar experience if you take home a piece from Hoy Poloi. They have a wide range of home decor items, ranging in price and aesthetic--from mildly expensive to utterly ridiculous, from a little bit quirky to a whole lot of weird. Definitely check this place out next time you are in Chinatown. Even if it does not suit your tastes at all, you will get to see some interesting and unique pieces. read more

Very boutique-y, so if you're looking for authentic in Chinatown, this isn't it. What it is: some gorgeous design items, some fun knick-knacks and games, some beautifully scented candles and incense, unique jewelry and glass art, plus some (IMHO) terrible cheesy crap. I personally picked up some Nippon Kodo incense (from their Elemense line) and a pewter labyrinth that had been mismarked way below what it was supposed to be, but they let me buy at that price. Which I very much appreciated. It was very crowded when I went, which made it hard to maneuver, especially in a warm bulky coat and carrying a bag. So the star's knocked off for that and the truly terrible cheesy art that seemed directly out of a Precious Things-themed mall store from the 80s. Ugh. BUT, let me emphasize that the good here way outweighed the bad. Some beautiful, beautiful things to be bought. Or even just to be drooled over. read more

I second what Lacy C wrote. The two voids working the counter couldn't be bothered to say "Hi" to anyone who entered, so rude! Especially when your merchandise is over priced (An item was priced 50 % more than the exact item just across the street, Ty doll $10 was $15 at HoyPoloi). The woman clerk was really annoyed when I tried to buy something. What was I thinking, in a store?!? read more

I enjoyed this interesting shop for the first time today. A lot of beautiful original (or at least limited) and unique artwork, more in line with an art museum shop than the average boutique shop. I also enjoyed the urban music and wonderful assistance. I rarely find art that I would like to own, but I saw several things here that I would contemplate. Another visit is in order! It is kind of funny to find it in Chinatown, and the few attempts at Chinese novelties in this store seem out of place. I still enjoy the store, but I'm thinking that it needs to continue to bring in new things to keep me coming back. I highly recommend a visit, but if I continue to visit without seeing anything much new, I will probably be less inclined to stop in. read more

I have been shopping at HoyPoloi for many many years......since they opened in Chinatown 20+ years ago. I absolutely love the store as a nice place to learn about art, purchase a nice piece when I want to treat myself and as a perfect place to purchase unique and quality gifts for friends and family. Like any business that has a human retail component to it, there is going to be some inconsistent moments with customer service as some have mentioned in their reviews but I have to tell you, I know the owner and his commitment to customer service and finding passionate team members. He has always addressed any issues that are raised and is committed to excellence. Having shopped at ALL of his locations including his O'Hare shops and pop art gallery in Orlando, HoyPoloi including all team members are top notch. I am a very very happy customer. read more

This store is a little strange to me for some reason but that doesn't mean I don't love checking it out. They have some more upscale artwork and home decor, but they also have very cute gifts, tea sets, and jewelry. My favorite thing in here is the case of tiny glass animals. I love them so much I want to buy them all and make a little zoo for them. read more

"Bodhisattva, won't you take me by the hand?" Wow, what a strangely idiosyncratic collection of art of various media; crafts, ceramics, sculpture, clocks, you name it. There's some of the Orientalia that you might expect in a Chinatown gallery - statues of Kuan Yin and various other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas - but then, there's also original artwork from people like Theodore Geisel ("Dr. Seuss"), one of the key artists from SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, and one of the background artists from FANTASIA. There are odd things like the most beautiful kaleidoscope you've ever seen ($1050.00), glass work, hand-knit scarves that are themselves works of art, and Judaica, of all things. Apparently the owner (I'm guessing he's the "Hoy" in the name) stocks the store and the gallery with art, jewelry, and crafts that strikes him, resulting in a very eclectic gallery/store that make this place totally worth seeking out and another great excuse to come to Chicago's surprisingly large Chinatown. read more

What a strange place. It's smack in the middle of gaudy Chinatown, and makes for a nice break from the crowded shops that sell lucky cats and kiwi gummies. Hoy Poloi does have some nice artwork, but then they also have some really tacky items that remind me of art sold in the mall back in the 80s. Like I said, it's strange. read more

very beautiful artwork. Worth purchasing. It's not cheap at all here so be prepared to max out a credit card or cut a check.

The hippest place to go when you visit chinatown. A must see! Love this place! I remember when it first came to Chinatown I was like this shouldn't be here. Now I'm like I'm glad it's here. So visit if you are into art or have intersting tastes. read more

Unique home decor, gifts, and artwork can all be found in this upscale store. The name is a play on the owners' last name and some Hawaiian (?) saying. You can spend 20 minutes just browsing. It is definitely a place to check out. read more

This place is absolutely amazing! I always go here when I'm looking for a truly unique gift for someone. they have an incredibly ecclectic selection of great gift ideas. They have 2 rooms filled with incredible things- I bought a great watch for my friend, some hand painted martini glasses for my cousin, a fabulous wall sculpture for my uncle and my favorite is the glass jewelry(I think the artists name is Katherine Berg) back in the corner of the new section (sometimes if it is not a very busy time you may have to ask them to open the door between the 2 sections) I have purchased several of her pieces as gifts and for myself. You really need to check this place out - it is a breath of fresh air in Chinatown. read more

I have the privilege of knowing Mr. Hoy. He is one of the most kind, thoughtful, caring, and beautiful people I know and the magical art in his galleries reflect the same. read more

I've been shopping at HoyPoloi for years. My apartment has several art objects bought there, including a great waterfall with hand blown glass levels, very colorful. I also have bought such things as earrings for my granddaughter, some religious items, a book or two, some chatchkes of various kinds. I've always been treated with respect and helpfulness. I have a hunch some of the critics don't realize the store usually is busy with lookers and the management is not pushy in the sense of trying to approach each potential customer and leading them around. It's a shopping place, and if one sees something one likes, whether jewelry, glassware, art piece, etc., someone will help you. I have never found the items to be overpriced, but then again I am not there to buy Chinese souvenirs, but fine art pieces or specialized items not usually found elsewhere in Chinatown. read more