Serving Buyers and Sellers nationally and around the globe, including Estates, Individuals, Businesses, Museums, Universities, and Non-profits. Material Culture's auctions offer a broad and exciting range of Antiques, Asian Arts, Fine Art, Folk Art, Ethnographic Arts, Decorative Arts, Modern Design, Couture, Jewelry, Timepieces, Silver, Objets de Vertu, Fine Books & Manuscripts.
Since 1993, thousands of savvy shoppers and collectors have taken inspiration and resource in Material Culture's vast and constantly changing inventory of one of a kind items for their home, garden, commercial, and special design projects.
Since 1993, thousands of savvy shoppers and collectors have taken inspiration and resource in Material Culture's vast and constantly changing inventory of one of a kind items for their home, garden, commercial, and special design projects.
Services
The artifacts we sell are only part of what we offer to help you create a space, project, or event. Both our inventory and dramatic retail space are available for rental. We also offer interior design, custom carpets, and carpet cleaning and restoration. If you need an item appraised for insurance, auction, or other purposes, we are happy to apply our expertise.
Material Culture has always believed that art-in the fullest sense-is for everyone, and aims to make participation in the auction business easier and more accessible to a wide spectrum of the public, for the convenience of the local community, and to the benefit of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Antiques and Decorative Arts Fine, Folk and Self-Taught Art Chinese and Asian Arts Ancient and Ethnographic Arts Antique Carpets and Textiles Americana Modern Design Fine Books and Manuscripts Jewelry, Silver and Objects de Vertu.
Material Culture provides auction consignors a transparent, no-surprises, competitive rate which takes into account our shared goal of reaching the strongest, most robust markets for your property; there are no additional charges or fees for photography, marketing, internet listings, insurance, etc.
Material Culture provides auction consignors a transparent, no-surprises, competitive rate which takes into account our shared goal of reaching the strongest, most robust markets for your property; there are no additional charges or fees for photography, marketing, internet listings, insurance, etc.
Material Culture aims to make bidding as easy, accessible and enjoyable as possible, and consequently offers several different ways to purchase items at our auctions. The advantage to coming in person is that you can have the opportunity to look over our lots yourself before bidding begins. When you arrive, visit the registration desk in order to receive a bidder number.
Featuring 450 lots, the sale will provide an exciting mix of art and artifacts from around the world, from paintings by important self-taught artists, to African tribal art, to American cigar store Indians. Objects at the auction nearly encompass the history of folk art, with pre-historic to 12th century to 21st century artifacts being presented for sale.
Reviews (48)
Brooks A.
Jan 17, 2022
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Just a very strange, cold, completely disorganized place. I have tried several times over the years, most recently today, and I cannot imagine how they are still in business. Often items are unmarked so you must beg a person to help you. Now the upstairs portion of the building is off limits to customers? This is what I was told by the cashier hastily as she was eating her bag of chips.
Brooks A.
Jan 17, 2022
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Just a very strange, cold, completely disorganized place. I have tried several times over the years, most recently today, and I cannot imagine how they are still in business. Often items are unmarked so you must beg a person to help you. Now the upstairs portion of the building is off limits to customers? This is what I was told by the cashier hastily as she was eating her bag of chips.
Richard Cornfield
Dec 15, 2021
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Richard Cornfield
Dec 15, 2021
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Desiree Haney
Oct 21, 2021
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Material Culture is a giant warehouse in the middle of Germantown that houses a sort of import and artist collective. Every time I go, it's a feast for my eyes, with the coolest wares from around the world. If you have a house, bring your checkbook. If you don't, you can still find smaller things that are affordable and eclectic.
Desiree Haney
Oct 21, 2021
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Material Culture is a giant warehouse in the middle of Germantown that houses a sort of import and artist collective. Every time I go, it's a feast for my eyes, with the coolest wares from around the world. If you have a house, bring your checkbook. If you don't, you can still find smaller things that are affordable and eclectic.
Jillian Roth
Sep 05, 2021
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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.
Jillian Roth
Sep 05, 2021
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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.
Mason Stoecker
Jul 18, 2021
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Mason Stoecker
Jul 18, 2021
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Dan Kroll
Nov 20, 2020
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I've been shopping at Material Culture for about 20 years -- and it's always a fun adventure. You never know quite what you will find, but they have consistently great products. I've 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 don't have to play Jenga in the back of your SUV)
Dan Kroll
Nov 20, 2020
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I've been shopping at Material Culture for about 20 years -- and it's always a fun adventure. You never know quite what you will find, but they have consistently great products. I've 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 don't have to play Jenga in the back of your SUV)
Colby Jenkins
Jun 27, 2020
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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.
Colby Jenkins
Jun 27, 2020
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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.
Morris B.
Oct 27, 2019
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I came here for a wedding and at first I wasn't sure what to expect walking in because the outside looks so nondescript, but my god was it a site to see!
I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of endless vintage artifacts sitting, hanging, and standing all over the massive space. We're not gonna talk about the prices of most of the items here because I don't want to cry lol. But what was cool was they allowed for some of the items to be used in the event. Like the tables and chair for dinner were also vintage and for sale. There's an upstairs balcony that overlooks in entire
I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of endless vintage artifacts sitting, hanging, and standing all over the massive space. We're not gonna talk about the prices of most of the items here because I don't want to cry lol. But what was cool was they allowed for some of the items to be used in the event. Like the tables and chair for dinner were also vintage and for sale. There's an upstairs balcony that overlooks in entire
Stephen S.
Aug 24, 2019
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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!!
Stephen S.
Aug 24, 2019
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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!!
Robert P.
Mar 02, 2019
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Robert P.
Mar 02, 2019
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Jane D.
Sep 09, 2018
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We attended a wedding at this very cool, funky space, chock full of random objets d'art, antiques and other breakables. I'm shocked the owners and insurers allow guests to mingle with these items during events, particularly since I thought of absconding with a sculpture or accent piece quite a number of times during the wedding, and I'm sure others did, too.
The acoustics were actually not too bad, despite all the carpets, wall hangings and sound-absorbing decor. They may or may not have a dedicated caterer for events, here; whoever provided the food for the wedding did a phenomenal
The acoustics were actually not too bad, despite all the carpets, wall hangings and sound-absorbing decor. They may or may not have a dedicated caterer for events, here; whoever provided the food for the wedding did a phenomenal
Eric S.
Aug 26, 2018
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Kyle Rogers
Aug 01, 2018
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Kyle Rogers
Aug 01, 2018
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Catt Small
Jul 16, 2018
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Catt Small
Jul 16, 2018
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Lo Mack
Jun 27, 2018
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Lo Mack
Jun 27, 2018
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Evan P.
Jun 13, 2018
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Phyl O.
Jun 04, 2018
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We bought a beautiful Indonesian cabinet with four doors painted rustically in a soft turquoise a few years ago. Material Culture employees kindly loaded this heavy piece into the rear of an SUV for us to transport it home. It took two people to carry it into our home. It has held up well and is as beautiful today as when we purchased it 3-4 years ago. Nice customer service and yummy healthy food at their cafe.
Susan L.
May 30, 2018
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Susan L.
May 30, 2018
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Paris K.
May 04, 2018
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Majority of positive reviews here are fake, written by Yelp "pros" that are paid for their services. Dive deeper into the reviews and you will know what this place actually is - a total scam. Their inventory is made in China garbage being passed off as "exotic" and "antique." This is the worst sort of racist, scammer garbage operation that hearkens back to 19th century orientalist souvenir culture preying on the ignorance of good people that want to open their horizons to the world. This place sells the quality of items that you would find on Canal Street in
Paris K.
May 04, 2018
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Majority of positive reviews here are fake, written by Yelp "pros" that are paid for their services. Dive deeper into the reviews and you will know what this place actually is - a total scam. Their inventory is made in China garbage being passed off as "exotic" and "antique." This is the worst sort of racist, scammer garbage operation that hearkens back to 19th century orientalist souvenir culture preying on the ignorance of good people that want to open their horizons to the world. This place sells the quality of items that you would find on Canal Street in
Patricia H.
Mar 19, 2017
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It's a museum, it's a gallery.. no it's the most beautiful auction and craft house in town!
Visited this evening with friends for the Jonathan Demme pre auction party. What a lovely night, it's the perfect space to host an event. The auction preview was on the second floor in the back room, a lovely display of mostly African folk art. Paintings, sculptures, crafts, metalwork, a beautiful collection.
Aliza Green, the Material Culture chef and cookbook author prepared an incredible multiple table buffet of nibbles for the evening.
The main hall was filled with tables and chairs
Visited this evening with friends for the Jonathan Demme pre auction party. What a lovely night, it's the perfect space to host an event. The auction preview was on the second floor in the back room, a lovely display of mostly African folk art. Paintings, sculptures, crafts, metalwork, a beautiful collection.
Aliza Green, the Material Culture chef and cookbook author prepared an incredible multiple table buffet of nibbles for the evening.
The main hall was filled with tables and chairs
Patricia H.
Mar 19, 2017
Report
It's a museum, it's a gallery.. no it's the most beautiful auction and craft house in town!
Visited this evening with friends for the Jonathan Demme pre auction party. What a lovely night, it's the perfect space to host an event. The auction preview was on the second floor in the back room, a lovely display of mostly African folk art. Paintings, sculptures, crafts, metalwork, a beautiful collection.
Aliza Green, the Material Culture chef and cookbook author prepared an incredible multiple table buffet of nibbles for the evening.
The main hall was filled with tables and chairs
Visited this evening with friends for the Jonathan Demme pre auction party. What a lovely night, it's the perfect space to host an event. The auction preview was on the second floor in the back room, a lovely display of mostly African folk art. Paintings, sculptures, crafts, metalwork, a beautiful collection.
Aliza Green, the Material Culture chef and cookbook author prepared an incredible multiple table buffet of nibbles for the evening.
The main hall was filled with tables and chairs
Sari Marissa G.
Nov 17, 2016
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The coolest of the cool!!
I could easily spend hours upon hours here, wandering and wondering, gasping and being truly inspired. This space was actually a train station in what was once the world's largest radio manufacturing plant founded by Atwater Kent.
This is such a unique, unexpected space. Hidden just off of Route 1 at 4700 Wissahickon Ave, is this massive building filled with an incredible, constantly changing inventory of statues, art, rugs, salvaged pieces, textiles, mantels, columns, lighting and furniture of all sorts from all of over Asia and beyond. Each piece is handcrafted
I could easily spend hours upon hours here, wandering and wondering, gasping and being truly inspired. This space was actually a train station in what was once the world's largest radio manufacturing plant founded by Atwater Kent.
This is such a unique, unexpected space. Hidden just off of Route 1 at 4700 Wissahickon Ave, is this massive building filled with an incredible, constantly changing inventory of statues, art, rugs, salvaged pieces, textiles, mantels, columns, lighting and furniture of all sorts from all of over Asia and beyond. Each piece is handcrafted
Sharon L.
Nov 08, 2016
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Michelle K.
Nov 03, 2015
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I have been their customers several years. And just today, after a short conversation with one of their auction guys, I know their auction is not so honest. They have fraud actions.
They do not list reserved prices on their auction items. And during the action, their employee bid up the price to meet their reserved price. Then, if they end up to be high bidder, they will just put the item back into the next auctions. I have seen many times that the same items shown up in several auctions. I asked them why. They told me that is what happened to them. Instead of passing the item, they 'bought
They do not list reserved prices on their auction items. And during the action, their employee bid up the price to meet their reserved price. Then, if they end up to be high bidder, they will just put the item back into the next auctions. I have seen many times that the same items shown up in several auctions. I asked them why. They told me that is what happened to them. Instead of passing the item, they 'bought
Michelle K.
Nov 03, 2015
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I have been their customers several years. And just today, after a short conversation with one of their auction guys, I know their auction is not so honest. They have fraud actions.
They do not list reserved prices on their auction items. And during the action, their employee bid up the price to meet their reserved price. Then, if they end up to be high bidder, they will just put the item back into the next auctions. I have seen many times that the same items shown up in several auctions. I asked them why. They told me that is what happened to them. Instead of passing the item, they 'bought
They do not list reserved prices on their auction items. And during the action, their employee bid up the price to meet their reserved price. Then, if they end up to be high bidder, they will just put the item back into the next auctions. I have seen many times that the same items shown up in several auctions. I asked them why. They told me that is what happened to them. Instead of passing the item, they 'bought
Claire S.
Sep 16, 2015
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Natalee F.
Feb 27, 2015
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This is easily the most badass furniture and décor store in the Philadelphia area, maybe the state. Do you want an antique Indian dresser from reclaimed teakwood? They have 50 of them. Are you looking for a vintage rug from Turkey? They have a whole floor. Moroccan lanterns? Yes. A giant Buddha statue? Check. A life-size bear statue covered in sequins? They have that too.
Not only do they have everything and anything you wanted and didn't know you wanted, the prices are amazing! Not that you'll really have anything to compare them to, but you definitely won't feel ripped
Not only do they have everything and anything you wanted and didn't know you wanted, the prices are amazing! Not that you'll really have anything to compare them to, but you definitely won't feel ripped
Natalee F.
Feb 27, 2015
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This is easily the most badass furniture and décor store in the Philadelphia area, maybe the state. Do you want an antique Indian dresser from reclaimed teakwood? They have 50 of them. Are you looking for a vintage rug from Turkey? They have a whole floor. Moroccan lanterns? Yes. A giant Buddha statue? Check. A life-size bear statue covered in sequins? They have that too.
Not only do they have everything and anything you wanted and didn't know you wanted, the prices are amazing! Not that you'll really have anything to compare them to, but you definitely won't feel ripped
Not only do they have everything and anything you wanted and didn't know you wanted, the prices are amazing! Not that you'll really have anything to compare them to, but you definitely won't feel ripped
Michelle P.
Oct 17, 2014
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I always wanted to stop in here, but every time I would see the sign for it, I would already drive past the exit on Route 1. This time I decided to purposely go there. The furniture is not cheap, but there are a lot of investment works of art all through out. The furniture has great detail and quality. It looks like a museum in here, which sparks my creativity and makes me want to buy a house then furnish it.
I will be back for some more!
I will be back for some more!
Michele M.
Apr 26, 2014
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Truth be told, I couldn't tell you a thing about Art. My house is a mix of really good stuff with some Home Goods mixed in here and there.
Well....I walked into this "store" and it's more of a museum. It's huge with some pretty amazing things. Be prepared to spend some time to really take it in and appreciate the different pieces. At first, it may seem like Pier I Imports with some styles - but it is a far cry from that!
I did purchase a framed tapestry which is a piece of Art! I could not be any more delighted with the purchase, the service and just everything
Well....I walked into this "store" and it's more of a museum. It's huge with some pretty amazing things. Be prepared to spend some time to really take it in and appreciate the different pieces. At first, it may seem like Pier I Imports with some styles - but it is a far cry from that!
I did purchase a framed tapestry which is a piece of Art! I could not be any more delighted with the purchase, the service and just everything
Michele M.
Apr 26, 2014
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Truth be told, I couldn't tell you a thing about Art. My house is a mix of really good stuff with some Home Goods mixed in here and there.
Well....I walked into this "store" and it's more of a museum. It's huge with some pretty amazing things. Be prepared to spend some time to really take it in and appreciate the different pieces. At first, it may seem like Pier I Imports with some styles - but it is a far cry from that!
I did purchase a framed tapestry which is a piece of Art! I could not be any more delighted with the purchase, the service and just everything
Well....I walked into this "store" and it's more of a museum. It's huge with some pretty amazing things. Be prepared to spend some time to really take it in and appreciate the different pieces. At first, it may seem like Pier I Imports with some styles - but it is a far cry from that!
I did purchase a framed tapestry which is a piece of Art! I could not be any more delighted with the purchase, the service and just everything
Abbie D.
Mar 31, 2012
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WOW is the best way to describe this place! I cannot believe I've lived in Philadelphia for close to 6 years and this was my first trip to Material Culture!
This place has the coolest home decor for both indoor and outdoor use. The majority of their decor comes from India and China, according to Juan (salesman). Very unique screens, rugs, furniture and small tabletop decor. We purchased a coffee table that was an old shutter from India turned into a coffee table. It looks great in our house! Love the selection and the uniqueness of the place!
Staff is awesome too! Very friendly and helpful
This place has the coolest home decor for both indoor and outdoor use. The majority of their decor comes from India and China, according to Juan (salesman). Very unique screens, rugs, furniture and small tabletop decor. We purchased a coffee table that was an old shutter from India turned into a coffee table. It looks great in our house! Love the selection and the uniqueness of the place!
Staff is awesome too! Very friendly and helpful
Abbie D.
Mar 31, 2012
Report
WOW is the best way to describe this place! I cannot believe I've lived in Philadelphia for close to 6 years and this was my first trip to Material Culture!
This place has the coolest home decor for both indoor and outdoor use. The majority of their decor comes from India and China, according to Juan (salesman). Very unique screens, rugs, furniture and small tabletop decor. We purchased a coffee table that was an old shutter from India turned into a coffee table. It looks great in our house! Love the selection and the uniqueness of the place!
Staff is awesome too! Very friendly and helpful
This place has the coolest home decor for both indoor and outdoor use. The majority of their decor comes from India and China, according to Juan (salesman). Very unique screens, rugs, furniture and small tabletop decor. We purchased a coffee table that was an old shutter from India turned into a coffee table. It looks great in our house! Love the selection and the uniqueness of the place!
Staff is awesome too! Very friendly and helpful
Michael H.
May 13, 2011
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I don't even know what to call this place. Furniture? Decor? Kitsch? That's part of it ... and if I was decorating a house in Philadelphia, I know where I'd be coming for really unique pieces that would transform a home into a conversation piece. I'm still a bit speechless from seeing the automobile themed caskets (yes, you read correctly) right next to the Persian rugs. Their 70's mod furniture left me breathless. I mean, stop reading this review and just go there, OK?
