Museum gift shop design

Forget the novelty pencils, these museums are stepping up the gift shop experience with exclusive ranges and the best in local design

The MoMA Design Store opened its second standalone store in Kyoto, designed by Lumsden.

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The Design Museum has opened its first ever standalone retail space, moments away from the museum's new west London site.

With Reveal walls and tables tailored to maximize merchandising space, the Philadelphia Museum of Art's gift store provides an elegant shopping experience.

Virginia Woolf-themed socks, anyone?

Our secret spots for the best gifts and souvenirs.

New merchandise for our Corita Kent exhibition are adding pop to our shop display! #CoritaKentPop

While most museum stores offer the standard souvenir totes, pencils, and posters, many also feature exclusive or hard-to-find items from around the world. What’s more, this kind of retail therapy can have a philanthropic effect: Sales often support the institution’s work, and since many provide members with a substantial discount, joining the museum can bring big savings. Here, ten unexpected gift ideas that go beyond refrigerator magnets.