*Source: Wall Street Journal

Let’s begin with Asia Art Archive in Hong Kong. The name says it all. Obtaining rare materials directly from artists and exhibitions, Asia Art Archive has built an extensive (and exclusive) collection throughout the years. It is widely celebrated as an exceptional destination for scholars in South and Southeast Asian contemporary art.

*Source: Art Coop

Analytically crisp, jargon free and packed with fresh illustrations; The Brooklyn Art Library is an equally effective platform for those who seek a lucid and honest perception of the universe. One will find numerous moleskin sketchbooks—from the highly praised Sketchbook Project—that will enchant even the most disenchanted of us. I truly admire Art House Co-Op for their innovative program and unique collecting initiative. So kids, get your library cards ready!

*Source: New York Times

As much as I hate to admit, it is mind-boggling how easy it is to give in to my compulsive urges and purchase publications rather than do research in an institution. However, despite the hard-to-resist temptations of art, architecture and design bookstores, it is always wise to think twice before dropping bills. Whether you are strapped for cash or simply snooping around for a good read, St Bride Library is one of the finest havens that shelters books in the realm of printing, typography, and graphic arts. You will be on your knees when you see the collection of materials they have on their shelves.

*Source: Inaya Graciana Yusuf

If I really have an itch of “owning” something, there is one spot I would occasionally look into. The leading light of art bookstores is undoubtedly Printed Matter, Inc., which specializes in artist-made publications across all visual art, design and performance art practices. Commencing debates on contemporary art as well as being a full supporter to artist-lead discussions, Printed Matter offers its services on a silver platter. This year, they are moving on to their 6th year anniversary in hosting the NY Art Book Fair, an annual event for the intellectual literary aesthetes.

*Source: Flickr

In other instances, I would likely turn to vintage artwork and material goods. After Gallagher’s Paper Collectibles in Manhattan close down its doors back in 2007, I never really found a shop that lived up to Michael and Mary Gallagher’s taste. However, it was not until recently that a trip to Paris lead me to discover Les Archives de la Presse, a sacred place housing awe-inspiring collections of periodicals from the 19th century to present. It is common to find both old and new occupying the same space, providing an exciting juxtaposition in which to examine the thriving contemporary art culture.

*Source: Il Museo del Lourve

Il Museo del Louvre in Rome is another genuine find described by my boyfriend as a goldmine for vintage photography. As soon as you walk in, you would feel like you have hit the mother load. There would be rows of old photographs loosely organized, either by size or subject; and some others, are mounted in a fashionable manner. The shop is modestly curated out of pure love and above all means, it is owned by a very pleasant Italian couple extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to photography.

*Source: Flickr

If you enjoy gastronomic adventures and are motivated to expand your taste palette by experimenting in the kitchen, look no further. Tucked away in a charming, 1815 brick townhouse, it was a miracle that I stumbled upon this hidden gem. Yes, it is that easy to walk past this antiquarian shop after going through the hustle and bustle of Soho. Joanne Hendricks Cookbooks is an eccentric street-level shop in downtown Manhattan that specializes in antique cookbooks and cookware. The most unsettling part, in my opinion, is the pricing. It is sometimes unaffordable but on the other hand, the romantic experience of browsing through old recipes and traditions or taking a closer look at book design and collectibles from the past just evens it out.

*Source: Black Gold Records

Moving on to other random but equally alluring localities, I stumbled upon a place called Black Gold Records, Coffee and Antiques. Situated in the heart of Carroll Gardens neighborhood in Brooklyn, this spot is an enticing proposition overall. It’s a one-stop-destination for inspiration seekers and thrill hunters. Sadly, I was not geeking out on the record collection—I was drooling over the old school cover designs.

*Source: Inaya Graciana Yusuf

When it comes to vintage European furniture, mirrors, chandeliers, antique decorations and rare collectibles, I must admit, I am quite a sucker for it. Pinsheerlijk Antiek in Amsterdam is a prominent family-owned spot to find elegant, historical and rustic pieces. Hands down one of the best antique shops I have encountered in my short life thus far.

*Source: Wandering Danny

Lastly, since my typography and letterpress professor in the past raves how graphic arts came about, it would be a shame for me not to pay tribute to The Basel Paper Mill. Also known as the Swiss Museum for Paper, Writing and Printing, this divine institution takes us back to the world of letterpress printing. The center has been around since the 18th century! Unmistakably, it is a crucial resource that educates us on the history of writing, paper production, printing techniques and the art of bookbinding.

This puts an end to my condensed bucket list. Drawing upon a rich array of examples, I have come to a conclusion that it is not wisdom that enables us to create (or destroy), rather the right mixture of intuition and inspiration. Bon chance!