Entry No. 12 — the Minneapolis file — filed under: oddities
Isles Studio
Tucked inside a house-like building near Lake of the Isles, this 'cabinet of curiosities' boutique curated by Jeff Bengtson features stunning taxidermy (like peacocks and flamingos), framed insect specimens, and handmade Parisian home goods.
The story
If you walked down West 25th Street without looking closely, you'd take 1311 for just another house near Lake of the Isles. Step up the front entry, though, and you'll find curator Jeff Bengtson operating a quiet alternative to the typical neighborhood retail shop: a dense, European-style cabinet of curiosities housed inside a residential building.
Instead of leaning into ghoulish horror tropes, Isles Studio models itself after 19th-century Parisian naturalist salons. High-end Parisian home goods like handmade Astier de Villatte ceramics, luxury candles, and garden statues sit alongside glass cloches and display frames containing preserved beetles, butterflies, and full-mount taxidermy—including both pigmented and rare albino peacocks.
What it's like
Visiting feels less like shopping and more like trespassing on a private collector's home study. You'll move quietly through multiple rooms surrounded by French pottery, foliage, and full-feathered taxidermy specimens looming overhead. It's intimate and detailed, so slow down and examine the framed insect trays up close—just double-check their seasonal hours before making the trip.
The move: Step into this cozy, multi-room shop to admire the gorgeous, ethically sourced taxidermy and delicate framed butterflies, then pick out a unique, nature-inspired souvenir or a luxury candle together.
- 📍 East Isles
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1311 W 25th St, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Odd Mart — Pair Isles Studio's refined European natural history with Odd Mart's underground local zines and outsider art just four blocks south.
- Volstead's Emporium — Trade daytime naturalism for nighttime speakeasy vibes by walking south into Uptown for a drink behind Volstead's hidden alley door.
- Twelve Vultures — Head northeast across the river to Twelve Vultures if you want to contrast Isles Studio's Parisian aesthetic with another deeply curated oddities collection.
Good to know
What kind of natural history items are available?
The studio stocks preserved taxidermy (including peacocks and flamingos), ethically sourced animal specimens, and delicately framed butterflies and insects.
What else does the shop sell besides taxidermy?
You'll find imported European gifts and home decor, notably handmade Astier de Villatte ceramics from Paris, garden statues, foliage, planters, and luxury candles.
Where in Minneapolis is Isles Studio located?
It's tucked into a residential-style building at 1311 W 25th St in East Isles, just a short walk east of Lake of the Isles.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · southwestvoices.news · minnesotamonthly.com · Instagram
last checked: 2026-07-21