Such a unique place! If you are looking for home goods that are unlike the big box stores you should come here. The prices of items vary widely. We picked up a beautiful textile I want to use for a tablecloth for $25 and we found a cool rug for $150 or so. Some of the rugs were priced into the thousands. Art, lighting, furniture can all also be found at material culture.

This place is fascinating to walk around. It is more of an antiques shop than a thrift shop. There are sections are are pretty darkly lit but worth seeing at least once.

Material Culture is a giant warehouse in the middle of Germantown that houses a sort of import and artist collective. Every time I go, its a feast for my eyes, with the coolest wares from around the world. If you have a house, bring your checkbook. If you dont, you can still find smaller things that are affordable and eclectic.

Unique selection of cultural art deco from around the world

In from Austin, Tx, my friend Roya introduced me to this establishment. What an assortment of quality rugs and wooden furniture. Very distinctive selection and helpful staff to add. If they sold wine by the glass you could spend a couple hours socializing and gazing at the two story walls with lights everywhere.

A must see, they have such beautiful stuff, its like being in a museum. When you walk in there you know youre going to want to buy everything they sell.Be prepared to be in all of the beauty and Oddities.

Best kept secret in Philadelphia

Really cool vibe in this store with some very unique items from all over the world.

Ive been shopping at Material Culture for about 20 years -- and its always a fun adventure. You never know quite what you will find, but they have consistently great products. Ive purchased amazing cabinets, buffets, wall art, chairs, and more (See accompanying photo). Prices are very reasonable. They offer delivery in the Philly area (which means you dont have to play Jenga in the back of your SUV)

Very cultural. Great experience.

This the place to go if you time to look around. Variety of stuff small and large. Many asian items!

Its wild that this place even exists. Totally unique collection of things from all over the world. Definitely a must go.

Overpriced, dark and danky. Like visiting an old fun house at the country fair. Wont return

Great place to look for unique home furnishings. Attentive staff and free coffee!

So much great stuff...!!

Wow, its a store and a venue – super cool. I attended a beautiful wedding here, and when I wasnt getting down on the dance floor or stuffing my face with food, I was perusing the beautiful wares for sale. If I lived in PA, I wouldve spent too much money. Beautiful spot!

Always a great source for unique objects

A treasure Trove of wonder!

Great browsing and shopping experience! Unique finds!

Beautiful store with unique items!

Very interesting place.

You are better off giving your treasures to charity than trying to sell them with Material Culture. They estimated $5000 for my items and ended up selling them for a little over $1000.

Okay Indiana Jones Meets Texture and Artisanal Euphoria. Life-size Inspiration Meets Nature and Man. This Place is Nothing Youd Imagine, and More Than Ample to Conquer You.

Very unique store. Hard to summarize due to the wide array of items for sale. From their website: 60,000 square feet of art, antiques, crafts, furnishings, and architectural elements from around the world. And the inventory changes regularly!

This is a must stop if you are in the city. A quick ride from downtown area. A wide range of prices & lots of authentic pieces that will amaze. Definitely stop in the Padmini boutique that’s inside this place, the boutique owner is the sweetest and her inventory is full of swoon worthy decor and accessories!

Great showroom. Extraordinary service!

Great place. Cool stuff. Be careful of One Size items in boutique. Not true.

Found the perfect coffee table, and throw pillows, and jewelry, and Buddha!

I attended a wedding at this location and it was amazing! Its a completely unique mix of antique shop and art gallery. There are many interesting items on display which seamlessly blend into an event space. A+ to the bride and groom for finding this location and giving us a totally unique wedding experience!

Wonderful eclectic collection of furniture, textiles, art, clothing and jewelry from around the world.

One of my favorite places to find EXTRAORDINARY things for the home.

Ive been, in showrooms on 5th Avenue, and shown in rooms of abandominiums after having a fifth and only Material Culture has on every visit had items that have never crossed my path up till seeing them in MC.

Wide variety of items, fully recommended. The communication is excellent.

Unique everything. Always get something worthwhile when we go there.

Almost an overwhelming sensory experience. If you like southeast asia/Indian furnishings, this place is for you....

Go there!

If you like cool old massive awesome warehouses that are filled to the brim with an odd mix of furniture, rugs, art, wall and ceiling hangings and just other plain nutty stuff (look in the corner for the two full sized carvings of pre-coital statues) then do not pass go, do not collect $200, just go here. There are tables and benches, and cabinets, and rugs from mostly asian countries. Its all beautiful. There are also some small shops within the larger structure selling various things such as pillows, consumer products from far away. Not to be missed.

Beautiful artwork

If you are looking for something unique and creative, this is the place! They have an awesome selection and i highly recommend stopping in to browse around.

Oh what an amazing place and items! Your head keeps turning to see off the wall statues, furniture, knick knacks, rugs, one of a kind everything. Every time is an adventure! You leave feeling you were in another world. There are a couple individual stores that sell beautiful items. We love their Moroccan style lighting also. Must see this place again and again… then go back and take people.

Went to a wedding there. Really fun and interesting venue. So much to look at it was almost a museum atmosphere without the stuffiness and no touching policy. The food was also pretty Good!

Ive been to alot of antique/odditie shops up and down the east coast, I particularly loved this one. The owner (excuse me for forgetting her name) was amazing help and was very knowledgeable. Awesome variety of unusual and unique items.

Such an amazing collection of art and cool things to buy. On my Philly list of.must shop for holidays and beyond. Really cool event space as well.

Love Material culture, I used to live a few blocks away and I would refer to it as “my” king of Prussia. I read the negative reviews about the staff and I could not disagree more. The staff are always busy moving,adjusting, modifying displays or merchandise. This is not easy as it is not your typical space. Yes you may have to grab someone however they always direct or help. That said it really is the type of place that you just wander around in and the staff gives you the space to do just that. My only regret is I no longer live down the street and can not pop in on a whim to see what the latest container has brought in.

One of the best places for home decor from around the world - rolls of Ikat fabrics, Chinese wardrobes, Moroccan lanterns, Japanese fabrics, and so on. Reasonable prices. Authentic stuff with great ambiance like free coffee and varied music from 99 Red Balloons (Starlite Singers) to world music. Only wished I lived in Philly!! Great staff, stress shopping experience!!

It was incredible to see such a gem the people were very friendly and very helpful I will be going back soon

Phenomenally different, Im so glad i dyopped in. Will be going back to purchase some things.

Unusual ethic finds that will make your home unique and outstanding. You just need to understand your aesthetic. As there are so many options.

Material Culture is a destination. Everything is there; from ancient objects to the merely antique and from serene to whimsical. More than one could ever want is there to be had. I find my eyes and wants growing to fit!Being someone who makes things, I really respect the craftsmanship of everything there and that the artisan is celebrated.The building is an old factory and was designed to be lit with minimal electric light, so the natural light is wonderful there.If you cant tell, Im a fan and friend!

Kind of amazing. Particularly is you are looking for antique Asian furniture and artifacts. And yes, Asia does include India...

Material Culture has tremendously redeemed itself for me. Very pleased with my recent purchase of an armoire (late 1930s) from the Eastern Asian region. Will add much character to my décor. I look forward to making additional purchases as I have over a period of at least 15 years.

OK! This place is a hidden gem in Philadelphia! Its a quick ride up the Roosevelt Blvd, and once youre there youll be amazed!! They have rugs, pottery, furniture, lamps, and decorations from all sides of the globe. Theres even a catering take out inside with wonderful mediterranian food options. Its also a great location for a wedding, they clear out the center of the space and set up tables - you can do the ceremony and the reception here! oh, and the food is outta this world!! This is a hidden gem in Philadelphia.

It’s like a museum. This huge warehouse has much it offer in cultural decor. But it ain’t cheap!

Material Culture is a true adventure, a warehouse of wondrously diverse ethnic arts from around the world. Fabrics and metal work from India, huge puppets from Mali, Chinese cabinets and tables, carpets of all sizes and colors, indoor and outdoor statuary from everywhere -- the list goes on and all at very reasonable prices. Personal attention from knowledgeable folks makes even a short visit an educational delight.

Something different, something funky, something beautiful...ferociously so! The experience of stepping through the doors is not dissimilar from stepping into a souk, or a market in another land. Even though its overwhelmingly big in size theres a method to the madness that makes the ease of movement from one culture to another feel effortless. It takes a lot of planning to make this feel so easy! Kudos to staff and insanely energetic George J at the helm.

Amazing store with museum-quality pieces of furniture, art, collectibles, accessories, and rugs, at incredibly affordable prices. The store, and their frequent auctions, will appeal uniformly to those who are decorating their homes/businesses, to serious collectors, to those investing in art, or to people who just like to look at beautiful things!The owners George and Samantha, and the entire sales staff, are amazingly knowledgeable and friendly. George can give serious advice on various aspects of every piece, provenance, and price. The entire sales-staff can give superb interior-decoration advice. The folks who package and deliver your (sometimes very large and heavy) purchaes are careful, courteous, and masters of problem-solving. And finally, George and his team will also help with installation in your home.George hosts periodic events in their store where one can learn about various cultures, artists, and art, in an informal fun-filled atmosphere. Or you can just go there to party and have a good time! Usually there are subject-matter experts at these events as well who one can learn from.We have bought tons of stuff from George that has transformed the look of our home, and are outlook on art, and we look forward to a continuing relationship with Material Culture.

This place has everything you could want to decorate and furnish your home. Antique furniture, rugs, clothes, fabrics, doors, mirrors, lights, sconces, pillow seats, etc. Its amazing. This place is not over hyped. Its beautiful

Very interesting store to walk through. if your looking for something out of the norm this is the place.

Thousands of unique, odd and wonderful items from around the world. This place is a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Material Culture is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. My husband and I have spent hours perusing the unique stock of international items and dreaming of the day we have a large enough space that we can decorate with Material Culture products.

Love the finds but last time staff was not friendly almost bothered by my question about delivery. I got there when they opened on a Saturday so it was not the excuse for being too busy. Maybe just a bad day.

I had NO idea what was in this amazing store. Its got everything that you could possibly want in original decor. Bonus: they were set up for a wedding. Yes, in the store. Very pricey but something is in there youll want to take home.

Not very nice...Im a designer drove from No. Jersey to shop for my client 15 minutes prior to close...they threw me out..8k budget. Oh well

A stunning statement of place. Stepping into the vast showroom of worldly items, your body is planted here but your mind instantly travels to distant worlds of manifest dichotomies- austere/beautiful, reverent/beautiful, real/beautiful. I recommend a visit, you will find something that speaks with you.

There are so many reasons to visit Material Culture. There are thousands of one of a kind pieces of furniture from all over the world. The rug selection is amazing. The employees will go above and beyond to ensure every customer is happy. The auctions theyre holding are frequent and always exciting. Everyone should check out Material Culture at least once.

Material Culture is a real Philadelphia treasure.Unbelievable collection of unique artifacts from around the world. The owner, George J is truly a global citizen with an eye for all kinds of items from a myriad of countries and cultures. The eclectic collection will captivate, as well as educate. Even if you are not in the market to buy something it is worth the trip to simply to enjoy viewing the goods they have gathered from far flung places around the globe. I often think they could charge an admission fee. It is a retail store that could double as a museum.Great place to shop or visit, young and old alike!In addition the staff are super friendly, and more importantly, very knowledgeable!You will not be disappointed!

Beautiful space with an array of things from across the globe. Worth the visit even if youre window shopping.

So many wonderful things to see from around the world. We will be back.

Weird but dope place with exotic items.

My favorite store in Philadelphia! A veritable supermarket of international folk art, packed with beautiful and useful things for your home, gifts for others. Why shop at the big box stores for a table or cupboard when you can get something hand-made, unique (and cheap!) at Material Culture? The whole environment in this place (the old Atwater Kent radio factory) is inspirational--great pottery, textiles, carpets, metalwork—makes me wish I had a new, empty house to fill all over again!

Fascinating place to wander through. But you do have to wonder about the ethics of some of their acquisitions. For example, what is the provenance of what appear to be bits and pieces of Indian and SE Asian temples?

Looking for something for your home thats not mundane? Material Culture has probably got it. From 18th century sections of Asian temples, to modern furniture creations the likes of which youd only see in Architectural Digest, Material Culture is a furniture and furnishings store like no other.

Always a tree you will never know what youll find .

Life changes iron dont change its nature

Visiting Material Culture is an experience that never wears thin. There is always something new to amaze. If you are ever in doubt as to the value of your fellow human, go to Material Culture. Here, gathered under one very large roof, is proof of our ingenuity and boundless capacity to create beauty from whatever we find around us.

If youre a resident of Philly, Material Culture should be a regular stop for you. If youre not from Philly, do yourself a favor and visit. You wont be disappointed. In addition to the furniture and rugs that many others have talked about, youll find stunning folk art here, including original work by the world famous Nigerian artist Twins Seven Seven.

Material Culture has a vast international inventory of furniture, rugs, textiles and objects of art in the retail gallery as well as items for sale at the monthly auctions. At the monthly auctions one will find attractive, quality items that rare and hard to find. Material Culture is great place to shop for items that will enhance your home decor.

Love love this store! If you want to travel around the world but cannot do so, just go there. It’s like a treasure hunter! You will never be disappointed! And people there are so nice too! Amazing place!

The staff couldnt have.been kinder. Jim who shared his knowledge and experience with us was great and Laura who greeted us was a pleasure. Fantastic place all around.

Everything is unique very exspensive though

A unique shopping experience and a personal favorite. Amazing items from around the globe brought to a retail space well over 90,000 square feet in size. Not only are the pieces of excellent quality, the prices are better than anywhere else I have been. Sort of comparable with ABC carpet in NYC but so much more and so inexpensive. I have taken people from all over just to see it. If you are looking for rugs, architectural antiques, art, furniture, gazebos, statuary, Bollywood movie posters, lighting, pots and pans, (and yes, even a kitchen sink) from around the planet, look no further than Material Culture. A truly awesome experience!

What an artistically diverse place! The space is amazing, covered wall-to-wall with handcrafted artisanal works. Everything on display is for sale.

Horrible customer service! The profit markup is outrageous. It used to be of my favorite shops in Philadelphia. I havent been in almost 10 years and decided to check them out. It was never like this. It used to be a very nice welcoming place. Not anymore. No one seemed to want to say hello, how are you, do you need any help. Nothing. Ill never return and I will stop telling people about this place. Instead Ill just tell them to travel the world. Im going to look for more authentic owned shops.

Incredibly spacious and unique store for all kinda of furniture pieces and home deco. Like Bollywood meets Steampunk. They have a gorgeous space to hold weddings and special events, if I didnt already have my wedding booked somewhere else, I would have my wedding here.

Padmini is my favorite shop in Material Culture. Its like going home and traveling to an exotic locale. Beautiful jewelry and home furnishings.

Material Culture is amazing. The inventory is interesting and ever changing. And the prices are fair given the excellent quality and diversity of merchandise. I also recommend the auctions!

Never heard of it and went today with a friend. Unique furnishings, accent pieces and hand woven rugs, quite interesting. Staff was friendly while we explored the store and cookies at the end we purchased phenomenal.

Great selection of very cool eclectic finds!

Cool, kitschy stuff. Good people, reasonably priced.

Most interesting place for stuff around!

I love it here! You definitely need time when going here.

One of a kind lovely odd pieces from around the world

Very cool and quirky furniture store with a lot of unique items. The size is a bit overwhelming, but worth the trip if you are into asian/african/Indian furniture and decor.

Great people. Unique collection

Such a unique venue for a wedding!

Nice lots of interesting Art..

A jaw-dropping amount of furniture, objects, art, and carpets all under one HUGE roof - a genuinely museum-like experience. Set aside a good amount of time to do it justice.

Interesting place!! Went here for a wedding recently and the staff/food/ atmosphere was awesome and unique!

Exceptional selectiom of exotic foods skillfully prepared by chef and prolific cookbook.author Aliza Green.

Very good selection but a bit above my price range