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Gold Bug

Entomology, sea shells, and 19th century biology charts merge in slightly macabre creations

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Category Purveyors of Curiosities

From their website: view of the store as you walk in.

Source goldbugpasadena.com

Image of Gold Bug located in | Example of shell art by Johnson

Tucked unexpectedly on a lesser traveled side street near Old Town Pasadena, Gold Bug is an H.P. Lovecraft meets Urban Outfitters/Anthropologie store, appealing to upscale goths, artists, and folks who are truly intrigued by biology's more curious creations - and know how to use a hot glue gun.

The store contains a mix of original art, including chandeliers created from sea shells, rare insect displays, such as large "walking stick" bugs and bright Philippine beetles, vintage school prints, and nature inspired jewelry made from casts of tiny bugs, stones. The tiny shop certainly packs a big punch.

The next time one finds themselves in Old Town Pasadena for a visit to the Cheesecake Factory with their aunt, politely excuse yourself and duck around the corner to this gem of a shop and travel back to a sepia-toned, hushed world of possibility.

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Users who like this place: dolivis

Users who have been to this place: A Facebook user Claire Ushanka Rachel

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Hours Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm; Sunday: 10am-5pm
Website Gold Bug
Address 22 East Union Street, Pasadena, California, United States
Cost Store goods range from $5 to $3,000

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* One block from the Metro GoldLine's Memorial Park Station * Just north of Colorado Blvd, between Raymond and Fair Oaks * easy access to 134 & 710 freeways

Comments

A Facebook user May 26, 2010

I found that if you are fairly quiet and non-imposing, the store is a great place to be. I asked questions and they were answered. Just... don't take pictures or touch too much stuff. They don't like that.
Anonymous January 8, 2010

I completely agree. The guy is crazy, literally. I asked where he found his artists, which I thought was an innocent enough question and the guy accused me of being with "the competition" and trying to poach his artists. What the hell?
Anonymous January 2, 2010

the owners of this store are totally rude jerks.. i went in this store two different times when it first opened and they were completely rude.. i tell EVERYONE i know not to go in there.. not to mention the prices that they ask for thing are outrageous.. i can't believe this made it on this site...