An Introduction

I love museum gift shops. It has been a trait long commented on by the people in my life and one which I embrace fully. I am also a great critic of them. Many times I have wandered a store looking for a specific postcard reproduction, or wistfully seeking a miniature version of an obscure statue. Not everything can be as popular as the Venus de Milo by still, I am often wondering as to how the decisions are made as to what to offer and why. There is something about a gift shop that can perfectly encapsulate the larger museum going experience outside even of the standard critique of ‘commercialism’, to the point where I have been known to forego the exhibits themselves to see if there is anything new on the offer.

So it has come to this; I have decided to start a mini review of some of my adventures in gift shops, be it in person, online, or how ever I find them. Enjoy!