Visit Curiosities

Curiosities
#71 of 100 things to do in Dallas

Dallas, Texas is home to an unmissable treasure trove for the adventurous shopper: Curiosities. This legendary antique shop is a labyrinth of the weird and the wonderful, offering a shopping experience that is more like stepping into a museum curated by a brilliant and eccentric mind.

Located near White Rock Lake, this vibrant red building with a giant white cat sculpture perched on the roof is a beacon for collectors, decorators, and anyone who has ever thought, “You know what my living room needs? A vintage carnival mask and possibly a taxidermy squirrel wearing a tiny hat”. This guide provides everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit to one of Dallas’s most unique attractions.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Address: 8920 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218 

• Vibe: Eclectic, eccentric, and full of history

• Known For: An ever-changing inventory of antiques, oddities, taxidermy, vintage clothing, jewelry, and much more

• Established: 2006

Hours of Operation & Location

Curiosities has consolidated its locations into one large store in East Dallas, conveniently located near White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum.

Hours

Address for GPS: 8920 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218.

Parking: There is a small parking lot available in front of the store, though it can fill up quickly on weekends.

A Labyrinth of Treasures: What to Expect

Curiosities isn’t your typical antique store. Founded by Jason Cohen and his antique dealer mother Terry Cohen, the shop is a passion project where they have “honed the skills of finding the weird and wonderful to a fine art”. Walking through the doors is like accepting an invitation to the most fascinating garage sale in the multiverse.

The shop sprawls in a glorious hodgepodge of organized chaos. Unlike sterile, big-box antique malls, Curiosities creates a “kaleidoscope of vintage treasures and oddball artifacts” that invites exploration. Thematic vignettes create visual stories; a vintage typewriter might sit on a mid-century desk surrounded by period-appropriate office supplies, inspiring you to mentally redecorate your own home. It’s a place where every nook and cranny holds a discovery, and the inventory changes constantly as new finds arrive, ensuring every visit is a unique adventure.

For Adults: The Curated Chaos & Historical Gems

1. A Diverse Inventory: Curiosities has amassed all the treasures in one shop. You won’t have to wade through “tons-o-junk” to find the good stuff. It features an “eclectic mix of antiques, art, industrial objects, jewelry, relics, vintage clothing, medical mysteries, folk art, circus banners, tramp art, Victorian elegance, and antique religious icons”.

2. Natural History & Oddities: The shop is famous for its impressive collection of natural history specimens. A wall of taxidermy deer heads and foxes, delicate butterfly displays, and other curiosities create a strange harmony. You can find everything from small animals under glass domes to more unusual, conversation-starting specimens.

3. Vintage Jewelry: Rows of glass cases hold treasures from every era. You can find Art Deco brooches, chunky mid-century modern pieces, and delicate Victorian lockets.

4. Vintage Clothing & Western Wear: Explore racks of garments from the 1950s to the 1970s, including elegant cocktail dresses, funky polyester shirts, and vintage cowboy apparel.

For Children & Families: A Fun, Educational Adventure

1. An Exploration for Kids: Children are often drawn to the unusual displays, their eyes widening at the taxidermy or vintage toys. The shop is a fascinating, unofficial museum of everyday life, where younger generations can connect with the material culture of the past.

2. The Unpredictable Adventure: It’s a great place for a family scavenger hunt, where you never know what you’ll find next, from vintage toys to quirky knickknacks.

3. Nearby Attractions: The shop is conveniently located near the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake, allowing you to combine a treasure hunt with a day out in nature.

Tips for Your Visit

1. Plan for Time: Don’t rush. Visitors often plan to spend a couple of hours exploring the vast collection.

2. Bring Your Curiosity: Come with an open mind. You’ll find items you didn’t even know you wanted.

3. Engage with the Staff: The owners and staff are knowledgeable and passionate. They can share the stories behind the pieces and help you hunt down what you’re looking for.

4. Check Social Media: Follow Curiosities on social media to get a sneak peek of new arrivals and shop highlights.

5. Explore the Garage: The “Curiosities Garage” offers a different aesthetic, featuring mid-century modern furniture, refurbished vintage bicycles, and automotive memorabilia.

Stay Connected:

Follow Curiosities for updates on new finds and store news.

• Official Website: https://www.getcuriosities.com/

If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!

Curiosities, 8920, Garland Road, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, 75218, Statele Unite ale Americii

This attraction is part of free things to do in Dallas