50 People Share Their Unique Collections

It turns out, humans have always been drawn to collecting things. In the 19th century, aristocratic collectors would amass books, zoological and biological specimens, art and decorations that were all considered a status symbol. 

The Victorian era gave birth to the cabinet of curiosities, which referred to space specially designed to arrange, display, and store one’s collectibles. Many of these cabinets have become the first museums that exhibited curated collections.

But the urge to collect things starts as early as our childhood. Most of us had our own little collections of keychains, stamps, or Legos. However, only a few people devote their time and effort to their collected items as they reach adulthood.

For many, it offers the thrill of the hunt, which draws them in. Most collectors develop an emotional attachment to their objects where each one carries a story. Ask a record collector about their display, and they will happily tell you a two-hour-long story about the first vinyl they got their hands onto.

Nostalgia may also be the driving force of collecting, and it’s usually visible in the historical collections that require a great deal of knowledge and context.