Yesterday and Tomorrow Gallery

Hidden behind overgrown bushes next to a Bus 75 stop on Lombard is an inspired space – the Yesterday and Tomorrow Gallery. A converted 1912 home, the Y & T is more than your everyday gallery. It’s an indoor/outdoor space filled with oddball treasures. Part art gallery, part antique shop, part garden center and part what-the-hell-is-this artifact haven.

When asked what a meteorite goes for these days, Helen states, “Meteorites are worth anywhere between $700 and $3,000.”

The place spills over with interesting art, crafts, antiques, masks, fountains, vintage wonders, found treasures, and rare and unusual plants. Outside, a sculpture garden features (besides gargoyles), gnomes, assorted lawn ornaments, animal sculptures and more.

The owners who live upstairs, Jacq and Helen, started the gallery 12 years ago. They find items at estate sales and feature pieces from 70 local and national artists. Recent sales include a set of authentic, hand-painted Incan cups and a 60’s era turtle lawn ornament seemingly inspired by an Alice in Wonderland psychedelic trip. Looking for a matching pair of classic sphinx sculptures? Look no further.

“We get some unique items from estate sales,” says Helen. “We research their history and find out as much as we can about each object we sell. One customer bought a meteorite not long ago,” says Helen. When asked what a meteorite goes for these days, Helen states, “Meteorites are worth anywhere between $700 and $3,000.” Good to know in case one lands in your backyard.