The Antiquarium: Antique Maps and Custom Framing in Houston

The Antiquarium is a shop in Houston that sells antique maps and prints and offers custom picture framing. It is at 1976 West Gray Street, in the River Oaks Shopping Center. The shop has been in business since 1990 and sells antique prints, maps, documents, photographs, globes and other objects of historical, scientific and aesthetic interest. According to the shop, it is one of the longest-running antique map and print dealers still operating anywhere in the world, with tens of thousands of original images. The online store sells only original antique prints and maps from the 15th to 20th century. It has no reproductions, copies or digital prints, and certificates of authenticity are available on request.

The framing work is done in the Houston studio, and the shop uses only archival materials and techniques. It says it has framed more than 30,000 items, and its artisans have more than 50 years of combined design and production experience. The shop never ships art for framing, so anyone who wants a piece framed needs to bring it in person.

The antique collection is organized by subject. Some of the categories are Texana, Texas Maps, Texas Documents, Texas Currency, World Maps and United States Cities. Prices range widely. A 1754 map of the known world by Janvier & Longchamps is listed at $19,995, and a Hunt & Randel map of Texas from 1839 is listed at $55,000. A Pressler Traveller's Map of the State of Texas from 1867 is $39,500. Lower-priced pieces include a Stene Official Map of the Highway System of Texas from 1936 at $425, a Cram Flags of Principal Countries from about 1885 at $65, and a set of Gulf Oil fishing guides from about 1970 at $395 each. The shop also has a manuscript Stephen F. Austin land title from 1824, issued to James "Jack" Cummins, which is one of the more unusual items in the Texas section.

The shop has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 88 reviews. Customers mention the professional and friendly team, the way the rare maps are displayed, and the careful handling of special pieces. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday by appointment or chance. Today is Wednesday, so the shop is open until 6 pm. You can call (713) 622-7531 or email info@theantiquarium.com to check ahead or ask about a specific piece.