Entry No. 17 — the Chicago file — filed under: witchy
Covet Oddities & Macabre Gallery
Run by Ben and Erica Santine, who moved their collection from Austin to Logan Square, Covet is part oddities shop, part museum, part occult gallery. Shelves hold death-themed collectibles, preserved animal specimens, photographs, crystals, books, and apparel from independent makers. An occult cabinet displays artifacts connected to Aleister Crowley and Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey.
The story
When Ben and Erica Santine relocated their personal hoard of death culture from Austin to 3057 West Diversey Avenue, they didn't just open a shop—they built a sanctuary for the morbidly curious. Covet operates as a hybrid oddities store, occult gallery, and miniature museum. Shelves hold preserved animal specimens in jars, antique memento mori photographs, crystals, esoteric books, and hand-crafted apparel from independent makers, alongside human skeletal pieces drawn straight from the owners' private collection.
The shop's centerpiece is an occult cabinet containing genuine artifacts connected to Aleister Crowley and Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey. Farther in, a red-lit back room leans deeper into true crime relics and wet specimens, creating a space where ritual, history, and human mortality sit side by side.
What it's like
You will be carded at the door—Covet strictly enforces an 18-and-over policy. Inside, the atmosphere is low-lit and moody, backed by a dark soundtrack and owners who are happy to talk through the origins of their collection. Expect to split your time between browsing retail tables of preserved specimens and inspecting non-sale museum pieces in the back. The shop is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so confirm operating hours before heading out.
The move: Examine the occult cabinet and preserved-specimen tables together, then debate which death-themed oddity to bring home.
📍 Before you go No one under 18 admitted; closed Tuesday and Wednesday, so check hours first.
- 📍 Logan Square
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 3057 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Occult Bookstore — Follow up Covet's Crowley and LaVey display with a trip to America's oldest dedicated occult shop, founded in 1918.
- The Insect Asylum — Continue the specimen theme half a mile away at Nina Salem's hands-on bug and taxidermy museum.
- Sideshow Gallery — Double down on Logan Square curiosities at Anne Elliott and Cheri Basak's 2013-founded storefront gallery.
- Logan Arcade — Pivot from macabre relics to vintage pinball and drinks at this 21-and-up tavern arcade down the road.
Good to know
Is there an age requirement to visit Covet?
Yes. Covet strictly enforces an 18-and-over entry policy.
What is inside the occult cabinet?
The cabinet displays historical artifacts connected to occultist Aleister Crowley and Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey.
When is the shop open?
Covet is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Because hours can vary, confirm their schedule before visiting.
Are the items on display for sale?
Many items—including books, apparel, crystals, and preserved animal specimens—are for sale, while historical occult relics and select gallery displays remain part of the owners' permanent collection.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: blockclubchicago.org · wgntv.com · outsidetheloopradio.com · Instagram · whatsleepsbeneath.com
last checked: 2026-06-23