In these tough economic times, even Madison Avenue in the 70's has taken a hit, with "For Rent" signs popping up in shuttered storefronts on every block. But evidence that the tide is turning has just appeared in the form of the Gagosian store, a deluxe art boutique on the corner of Madison and 77^th Street.

I stopped in yesterday morning and discovered a unique store created for art lovers and collectors of contemporary art. Nothing like museum shops, with their hard-sell something-for-everyone visual clatter, this is a place where limited edition prints, books, multiples, and publications by Gagosian artists, along with contemporary and 20^th century Modernist furnishings, are offered for sale in a gallery-like setting.

Interior views of the Gagosian Store, recently openend on Madison Avenue at 77^th Street. Photos: Rob McKeever, courtesy Gagosian Gallery.

On opening the door, visitors are greeted by five of Jeff Koons's white porcelain Puppy Vases, filled with identical bunches of red roses and lined up on a marble credenza by Marc Newson. On the side walls are limited edition prints by Richard Prince and Tom Friedman, among others. Towards the back of the space is a row of skinny shelves filled with art books and magazines. The space will present rotating artist projects made exclusively for Gagosian, beginning with a presentation of Richard Prince's newest limited edition artist book, Bettie Kline.

Just past the desk is an inviting little library complete with a leather sofa for visitors to page through out-of-print books and catalogues. Currently on display are 13 prints from photographer Ken Heyman's Pop Portraits series, which is available as a limited edition portfolio.

Downstairs is the first U.S. installation of Other Criteria, a London based shop offering a handpicked array of work by established and emerging artists. The store, founded by Damian Hirst, Hugh Allan and Frank Dunphy prides itself on "great quality art by the best artists and making it available to everyone. The current installation features work by Damian Hirst, including Hallucinatory Head and Transcendent Head, iconic skulls glazed using his "Spin" painting technique.

The Gagosian store, was designed by Daniel Rowen Architects with MN Design, in collaboration with Gagosian Gallery. 988 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, The store is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am through 6:30 pm. For information, 212.744.9200 or SHOP@GAGOSIAN.COM.

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