Entry No. 2 — the Kansas City file — filed under: witchy
Oracle Natural Science
This enchanting natural science and oddities shop is a cabinet of curiosities come to life, packed with ethically sourced taxidermy, framed insects, skulls, and memento mori. It also hosts hands-on workshops where you can learn the delicate art of insect pinning.
The story
Tucked into Suite 103 at 115 West 18th Street, Oracle Natural Science functions as a working studio and quiet sanctuary for specimens of deep time and former life. You won't find mass-produced novelties here; the shelves hold ethically sourced animal skulls, pinned butterflies, preserved specimens, and raw mineral clusters, all displayed with the meticulous discipline of an old-world cabinet of curiosities.
What really sets the shop apart is that it isn't just a retail front for memento mori—it's an active classroom for obscure crafts. Inside the studio space, you can take a seat at a workbench during their evening workshops to learn the delicate, exact mechanics of insect pinning or bird taxidermy, guided step-by-step through setting fragile wings and working with animal specimens.
What it's like
Stepping off 18th Street into Suite 103, the atmosphere immediately drops from Crossroads bustle into subdued, museum-quiet focus. The air carries a faint scent of dried botanicals and polished minerals, with glass cases framing clean, organized displays of bones, pinned beetles, and crystals. If you're dropping in to browse for a peculiar keepsake, weeknights offer a quiet experience, but if you want to attend an evening workshop in insect pinning or taxidermy, book your bench space online ahead of time since class sizes are kept small.
The move: Sign up for one of their evening insect-pinning or bird taxidermy classes, then browse the shop's selection of crystals and bones together to find a peculiar souvenir.
- 📍 Crossroads
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 115 W 18th St #103, Kansas City, MO 64108
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- For Strange Women — Pair your specimen browsing with a visit to this botanical perfume house located right in the same building.
- Enchanting Winds Metaphysical Shoppe — Continue your stroll through the Crossroads just two blocks away to explore curated crystals and sound healing tools.
- Stray Cat Film Center — Follow up an evening pinning workshop with an obscure or experimental screening at this volunteer-run microcinema down the street.
- KC Conjure & Botanica — Extend your oddities and spiritual circuit four blocks away at a dedicated Vodou and Hoodoo botanica.
Good to know
What kind of items does Oracle Natural Science sell?
The shop specializes in sustainably sourced taxidermy, animal skulls, framed insects and butterflies, crystals, minerals, and memento mori items.
Do I need prior experience to take a taxidermy or insect pinning class?
No, their evening workshops are designed for beginners looking to learn hands-on specimen preservation skills.
Where in the Crossroads Arts District are they located?
You can find them at 115 W 18th St, inside Suite 103.
Should I confirm operating hours before visiting?
Yes, because studio hours and workshop schedules can vary, it's best to verify their current hours on their official website before heading over.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · kcur.org
last checked: 2026-07-21