We went to the Slideshow Gallery to see pen and ink drawings my son's band commissioned for their new album. I want to refrain from reviewing the artist (who was excellent) and focus on the space. The space is old - I'm still determining when the building was constructed, but it has tones of the late 1800s or early 1900s. You enter through a steep staircase and enter the main entry, nested between a small kitchen and the gallery. The gallery is small but large enough to accommodate the artist and everyone who showed up. There were two rooms - the main gallery had the majority of the art displayed. There is another small room off the side with some material displayed, but they used it as a gift shop where you can buy the original art or prints. The gallery is above an oddity shop which we did get to walk through briefly. We didn't have enough time to walk through it, but there will be a next time. Some of the other reviews did give more info on the shop. read more

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This place is amazing. Great place to find unique gifts for yourself and friends. Love the vibe here. It represents everything witchy, occult, taxidermy, sideshow, etc. Staff is very helpful to assist you to find that special gift or item you have been dreaming to own. Be on the look out for their special events, art openings, and workshops. read more

This place has a trove of oddities, something for everyone and is well-worth a visit. I poke in when I want to pass out unique and funky gifts. Most items can be found online for less, but I prefer the in-store feels. Before today, my last visit was this past Christmas Eve. I bought some clamshell trinkets, porcupine quills, beard oil and few other non-essentials. On that particular day, I witnessed the owner tear apart the entire window display to fetch a rabbit necklace for a young couple. I ear hustled as the couple asked if they can reduce the price. The owner willingly complied as she put herself together (it was a whole workout just to get that piece). I had my eye on a turtle shell for $30. But I told myself I'd come back for it. I followed them on Ig and the shell kept calling my name. I figured, let me message them on Ig. If they can reduce the price even $5 I'd make the trek back. Hey, they did it for the young couple, it didn't hurt to ask. They said no. Pond turtle shells online start at $12. I figured, no biggie. I come in today to buy a gift card, some sage, palo santo, beard oil (up $3 since my last visit), a cool card for Father's Day coming up and alas my $30 turtle shell I intended to pay full price for. Or what I thought was $30. In a little over 4 mos the price inflated to $40. I mentioned it was $30 my last visit. I was perfectly willing this time to pay the $30 but what on earth constitutes a 33 % markup in just a season? I mentioned I could get them online for under $20 but I chose to come to the store and support local business. "You don't know if it's ethically sourced (from online)" they said. "And I don't know if this is ethically sourced either." I responded. The owner loudly barked "I'm not arguing with you." "Who's arguing with you?" What a weird response and made me feel pretty humiliated in front of their other customers especially given I still completed a transaction. Haggling, sharing information, and reminding them of my previous visit was hardly arguing. But hey. I initially intended to spend $100 today (on crap no one really needs unless you're Phoebe Buffay). I opted against buying the other items and just stuck with a gift card of $20. I'll buy the beard oil from Walgreens and earn points. And I'll buy the scent sticks from a similar Latin-owned business where the items will be cheaper and I'll feel more welcome. I'm not the target market here at Sideshow: I'm not Wiccan, im not a satanist, I'm not weird looking, I'm not white, I'm not goth, and I'm not holding on to a lost youth. If you fit any of those categories, perhaps your experience may be more fulfilling. Cool shop, fun concept but at the end of the day I don't need shoddy taxidermy displays, jewelry adorned with dead insects or any other knickknacks I can just as soon get online, for less. Especially not when the experience comes with pick-and-choose service. And particularly not when I'm coming far out of my way to spend money that doesn't come easy. read more

These Taurus moon divas are so helpful and intuitive. They have everything I need and always point me in the right direction read more

Sideshow Gallery - Cutie shroom bois - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place. This is the place. The place where you can find esoteric items off the beaten path. The place where you can find cool Tarot decks (if you haven't already found them, for cheaper, on Etsy). The place where you can see what happened to all the goth kids from high school. I went through that stage already. I dressed constantly in black. I followed The Cure. I wore (and still wear, on certain days) black lipstick. But here's the thing. I'm 50 years old now (as is the owner, at least). And going in this place sometimes feels like I'm entering the bad girl's bathroom, and I'm donned like a preppy. In other words, they (the owner and her various other "too cool" associates) are sometimey. If in the mood, she'll "remember" me (I've shopped here many times before) and chat/sell. But other times, like today, when I didn't have on the requisite black gear on, I was ignored like I had the plague, till I said something to HER. I was going to tell her I drove an hour to shop there, living in the 'burbs now like I do (The Horror!), but I didn't bother. Since I've told her before when I was dropping dough there. Consequently, I think I'll be skipping this place from now on. I don't need to be judged/pigeonholed for how I dress/ look on a particular day. As a more than middle-aged black woman, who experiences ageism and racism every day, I don't need any more of that, just for the so-called privilege of lining somebody else's pockets. Lose the attitude, Ladies. It's sooo high school. read more

Awesome little metaphysical supply store. Had a nice selection of items and smelled wonderful.

Super cool place! Lots to look at. I would classify this more as a gift store than an art gallery even though it's called a gallery. Lots of witchy/gothic stuff, vintage items and taxidermy, unique home goods, prints, cards, and more. read more

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If I could give this place more than 5 stars, I would. It is such a special little shop that has a little witchy something for everyone. It is my go to for gift shopping, you will always find something perfectly unusual! Books, art, tarot cards, jewelry. You have to check it out, you will not be disappointed! read more

I never thought my favorite gift shop could get any more interesting,but now with the addition of a new line of Taxidermy makes it cooler than ever! From whimsical small mammals,to vintage,trophy quality mounted deer,pheasant,coyote,fox,and more! And if your looking for something specific, they'll find it for you! So stop in and check out this unique collection! read more

I love everything about this place!!!! This is a regular go to spot for picking up little things here and there. I always find something I need. Best for gift shopping. And a solid support of local artists. It's got ALL the goods!!!! read more

Really cool shop! They have all kinds of oddities like butterfly wing jewelry, antique jewelry boxes, crystals, and bones. read more

Sideshow Gallery - Jewelry and display counter - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came here lookin for taxidermy and jewelry a while back. I was excited based on reviews and word of mouth and picture but it's a pretty small shop. Wish they had more of what I was looking for or more variety of things. Plenty of witch craft stuff which wasn't exactly what I'm lookin for. The lady in was okay. I ended up not buying anything.. I was hoping this would be something more artsy a unique like some of the places I've stumbled upon in Portland but it was just meh read more

Wow! What a cool & unique shop, lots of VERY interesting stuff. Earth, crystals, beautiful jewelry, delicate bird skulls, natural essential oil perfumes, decent prices, laid back ( not up yur butt for a sale) but very knowledgeable service. Super one of a kind gifts! Must see read more

Sideshow Gallery has an accumulation of really interesting oddities and vintage pieces, from jewelry to art work to books. I've bought a wonderful piece of art and a beautiful lamp. Give this shop a try. You will not be disappointed! read more

CRIPES! I could live in this store! There is so much to look at that even after giving "everything" a once-over you find more things you didn't see the first time around and have to circle the store one more, if not two more, times. Both myself and other members of my group had found plenty to purchase and needed to cut ourselves off before we went bankrupt, lol. I highly recommend stopping in here and giving yourself a solid hour to peruse the place. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask - they are super friendly. You're lucky, Chicago! We need more "oddities" shops in Minneapolis! read more

This store is awesome! Tons of unique art and vintage pieces, and everything you can imagine to suit your witch needs. Crystals, incense, tarot, runes, astrology, all of it. They even hold regular tarot classes, as well as hosting a variety of events where they bring in local vendors to sell their wares. I've never come across another store quite like it. read more

I love oddities shops and it's great to see another in the city! Sideshow has some taxidermy and wet specimens, but they focus more on art and the occult. They have some awesome hand made jewelry and I walked away with a cool silver, deer skull pendant necklace! I've seen those type of necklaces go for way more, but this was very affordable. I found out about this place when they hosted a taxidermy class with Mickey Alice Kwapis (formerly the Detroit Academy of Taxidermy). I've taken her class before and it's always a good time! The owners are cool and it was nice chatting with them about their shop and different events they hold. I will definitely be back to check out an event and buy some unique gifts for people! read more

I am in love with this shop It is literally right down the street from me, and figuratively right up my alley. I love taxidermy, I can't get enough weird antiques and medical awesomeness. The art is all soooo cool. I'm coming in for a tarot reading, and I would LOVE to learn how to do taxidermy :D I am so glad you girls opened, you will be seeing a lot of me in your shop, and getting inked up next door at the amazing Revolution Tattoo. I can't tell enough people about this place ;) read more

Great prices for taxidermy. I would love to participate in a class or event soon. Most of my home decor is from Sideshow, unintentionally collected throughout the years. read more

This place is amazing! There is so much stuff crammed into the space, yet it never feels crowded, claustrophobic or overwhelming. It just feels comfortable, inviting and inspiring. I have met the nicest, most interesting people at events here. They frequently host unique art shows and classes and fun events. I can always count on being able to find the perfect gift here. I've gotten jewelry, artwork, new and antique oddities...and the prices are extremely reasonable. There are small, inexpensive things and high end pricey collectibles and everything in between. I highly recommend stopping in and checking it out for yourself! read more

Really great selection and chill atmosphere. Was looking for chime candles and they had a good selection of colors as well as many other candle types and herbs. The art is also incredible! Super unique stuff-- the store is small but absolutely full of interesting items! read more

this spot is a witchy gem. they have gifts for others And for self care and practice. it's beautifully curated. sweet welcoming vibes. they're always playing dope music. they offer classes. they are hella community oriented. the owners are hot witch babes! Go to there read more

If you're looking for one-of-a-kind, Sideshow is your place! If you're sick of giving Target gift cards to people on their birthday or for the holidays, do yourself a favor and check out this place. Are you looking for a jackalope? Chances are you'll find it here. They focus on weird and strange, but the staff know that it's not everyone's thing so they'll help you pick something out if you're not shopping for yourself. Oh, and this is part of what I've been calling the "Walk Western" path - starting down at Challengers Comics (or coming off of the 606), hitting Margie's/Quesadilla/The Art of Chicken/Paladar for food, grabbing something sweet at GBD, hunting to get a piece of your childhood back at Toy de Jour, looking for oddities at Sideshow Gallery, and ending up at Logan Arcade. Great date day all in one stretch of Western that most people miss while doing the same old Milwaukee Ave stuff. All this while getting some exercise walking Western! read more

Do all your gift shopping here! The owners are wonderful, smart, kind people. It is part art gallery and part store. Sideshow is wonderful in their support of local artists selling work on consignment as well as their own collection of curiosities and oddities. You can find unique things here is all price ranges. They host art openings about every six weeks or so (sometimes with complimentary Sailor Jerry drinks!). It's a great way to meet new people and support local business. read more

Sideshow is the best place to catch a groovy art show or find someone a unique gift. It's awesome that you can literally spend just a few bucks on a cool patch or you can spend a couple hundred and go home with some taxidermy. They are great supporters of the local art scene and have really fun shows with a friendly group. I also recommend the tarot card readings! read more

This place is weird, but in a great way. They have strange art, taxidermy, medical models and posters, and lots random knick knacks. Owners are super friendly and if you sign up for their mailing list you get invitations to cool events like tarot readings and brunch. read more

A little expensive, but to be expected for the area. Really unusual items, and some of it is "occult," but if you are looking for a magic shop this is really not the place. There are some really neat potential altar items (bats in crystal balls? wow) and they carry some amazing handcrafted oils. Interesting, one of a kind jewelry. I will definitely be back, but more for gift buying than for serious witchery shopping. read more

I love Sideshow. They bring in a lot of really talented, edgy and eclectic artists -- the kind I want to know about and probably wouldn't find on my own. They have a little shop too with the coolest vintage-y, metal-y items you can imagine (think anything from preserved animals in jars to jewelry and perfume). To top it all off, everyone who works there is super welcoming and nice. read more

This place is AMAZING!!! I love the overall feel of the store. It's a great environment! Their stuff isn't overpriced, either. The layout of the store almost feels like a museum- and that's wonderful. If you're looking for oddities or a fun gallery, this is your place! read more

Awesome shop, amazing collection...what more do you need!?