Have you ever wanted to travel around the world? How about explore a city or country as it stood 100 years ago? Maybe you'd like a print of the country your ancestors hail from? Or perhaps even a print of the city you or a family member was born in, circa the year they were born? You can do all of that here. Want a treasured & priceless photo framed in museum quality materials? Ditto. We checked out old maps of SF. Before Coit Tower & after Coit Tower. And pics of the GG Bridge being built. Crazy. There's even a "library series" of scented candles. The selection is pretty astounding. Maps are organized in a drawer filing system by city &/or country, or in binders. A great place to explore the world & get lost in it. 5 stars. read more

Schein & Schein Old Maps - Museum framing. They found the map for me downstairs. The framing took a couple of weeks, as promised. Great work. - Home Decor Near Me - Sonoma, California

A month ago we visited Michael's gallery at the gate of Chinatown. What a wonderful experience. We are buying lots of Asian Art and other beautiful things for our home for several years already but this was something else, we never saw such an amazing collection!! Mostly, I would like to recommend the hospitality and the great service by this family. Everything arrived in perfect condition and we are happy to share some of the photos. We will definitely be back!! read more

See all

VINTAGE MAP/POSTER STORE - GREAT FOR GIFTS AN SF MUST SEE *tip - very limited hours check beforehand Schein & Schein is a San Francisco staple. I've never been to another place like it. Walk in you'll be greeted by a quiet dog who sometimes relaxing on the sidewalk or on the bench in the store. Make sure you come with extra time because you can spend hours looking - which I do. There all types of maps from all around the world and posters of all kinds. It's hard to call it a map store, more of a manuscript store because they have drawings, pictures, old advertisements. I hope this place is there for years to come. The owners are friendly, helpful really seem to love what they do and are more than happy to help. I will be coming for that Eddy Map one day! read more

Jimmie and his store are an important peace to preserving San Francisco and its pass. Jimmie's knowledge of the history of the city along with his friendly attitude really makes this place a treasure to SF. I highly recommend stopping by the store and learning something about San Francisco. Pick up a map as well! This city is changing and stores like this become more important wirh each passing day. read more

I've been eyeing this store for awhile as a map collector and I am so happy that I finally visited. Jimmie and his staff are wonderful, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about maps and were willing to geek out with me about the map community as well. Though I am a collector of vintage gas station maps, this store also has a collection of vintage books, city plans, and other ephemera. I certainly wish I was wealthier to buy everything else they have, but perusing through their collection is sometimes enough. As a final note, the parking situation around here stinks, but that doesn't make me not want to return. I just wish I lived closer. read more

A unique map from 1715 of the US. It got the East Coast accurately. But showed California as an island. Best info they had at the time.

Amidst the tourist traps, cheesy bars and crappy want to be Italian food joints is a small respectable shop, a sea of tranquility, a storefront that is at home in the venerable North Beach that sells history. Jimmy the proprietor is a born and raised San Francisco native that loves this City and knows its history well. If you need a vintage or antique map (has a great selection of San Francisco maps and rare books) this is the place to go. The City map I picked up here is a focal point in my living room, a great topic of conversation and I plan to pick up a few more items when I go back. I went in and after a long conversation and reviewing various City maps I finally made my choice then we debated about the frame and Jimmy's eye helped me sort out the choices. read more

Jimmie and Marti are fascinating to talk to and run one of the most interesting stores in all of San Francisco. You can find stuff here that you will find nowhere else in the world. read more

The entire experience was fantastic, as was the map I purchased. I talked to Jim over the phone and he sent me a number of high quality images of the map I was interested in so I could see greater details. There was a little bit of a difference in the price from when I saw the print online to when I called him. He honored the original price which I saw-- which was great. Martha helped with some technical billing issues. They were both friendly with wonderful service. I will continue to look for quality maps on their site in the future and hope to visit the store when things get back to "normal". Highest marks for the quality of the print and their service! read more

Just an amazing place to look through. Even if you never thought you had an interest in maps, lithographs, prints, and the like, you'll find yourself pouring over Schein & Schein's offerings with genuine interest. The owners are extremely engaging and knowledgeable about their wares, and it's utterly fascinating to listen to Jim explain the history of a print. I can't wait to pick out a pick out some prints once we get our new place...the hardest part will be whittling it down to just a few. Helpful hint: parking is typical North Beach (read: impossible), stick with the parking garage on Vallejo if driving. read more

I am an avowed cartophile. I mean...the book "Island of the Lost Maps" is so esoteric but was so fun! I took cartography in college for my electives. I can pour over maps for hours. I've kept all my maps from traveling abroad...some even so tattered that are now unreadable. So when I run into my brethren I feel like we click from the first moment. Nestled on the west side of Grant, between Green and Union, you'll discover a true trove of wonders. The store is a welcome respite from the various crazy loud bars in the neighborhood but also feel the two genres compliment each other perfectly. Yin and Yang at work in North Beach. The owners are knowledgeable, approachable, and fair. They are truly excited about their wares and it shows. The store is set up like the study you wish you could afford to have. There are books and maps like everywhere but not done in a way that is overwhelming but rather comforting. The maps and what not are easily accessible and user friendly. Their dog, Spot (I believe), is absolutely adorable and approaching 16 years old. He roams and is quite comfortable on the front sidewalk taking in all that is North Beach. The prices...well what keeps me from being a true map nerd is the surprising cost of such a hobby/obsession. Arader Galleries nearby (also top notch!) had nothing less than $750 relating to the map subject I was looking for...and at Arader many of their pieces can run up to $25K. Arader recommended Schein & Schein....thank you, your 5 star review will be completed forthwith. S&S has maps that will satisfy any budget! Let me say that again in another way...you can afford to walk out the door with a real map! Jimmi even let me thumb through an original late nineteenth century San Francisco Zoning/Plat Map book as long as I wanted...I could have spent all day there! If you love maps you'll love this establishment. If you are iffy about the art/science it is a great place to learn why you could love it. If you don't like maps and just love to shop around North Beach...it is still worth popping in because chances are you know someone that is as big of a geek as I am. Last note...they offer framing services on-site that are priced the same as anywhere else....something to think about. read more

Stopped in to this wonderful shop looking for a Christmas gift for a map fanatic and fell in love! What a wonderful North Beach find - got (happily) lost for quite a long time exploring endless boxes and drawers of maps and prints. You're made to feel completely comfortable - no pressure at all, and amazingly friendly owner and staff at the ready for any questions. I'll be back here again and again! read more

See all

On my first visit I was delighted to see that they had postcards for an antique paper show that a friend of mine puts on in SF. I knew instantly that this store was my kind of place! You wouldn't expect to find a store like this amongst Italian restaurants or blocks away from what my boyfriend's father calls the "Sexy Area", but that's the City for you-randomness at its best! You could happily get lost in here for hours. Not because it's a large space, by any measure-and thank goodness because any bigger and it would lose some of its character. The drawers, binders, and old wooden crates are filled with all kinds of antique papers and maps that are just waiting to be loved and displayed. Browsing through their inventory makes you feel like you're in someone's home library. If cigars weren't bad for old paper, they would fit right into the ambiance! Their two little dogs ramble freely while jazz (which I love!) plays in the background. You can sit at your leisure on a well worn, comfy couch while you flip through binders whose contents the couple knows intimately. Just tell them what you like, and they'll get you started. Both the owners are friendly and knowledgeable about the history behind each item. You can tell that they are passionate about what they sell and that they have been fortunate enough to have have turned their hobby into a thriving business. Lucky for us City folk and visitors walking by. Jimmie is an expert framer and even framed a piece of art for me that, well I have to sheepishly admit, both wasn't from his store and wasn't antique. He did an excellent job on all three items that he framed for us. If you went to art school, you will remember how hard it is to get that matboard to be cut perfectly. They also, of course, use all acid-free, museum quality materials that are made to preserve your artwork. I am sincerely impressed! I know that I will love my purchases for many years to come and that they will look as beautiful as when they were framed. If you're a graphic designer, architect, artist, history buff, or just love old illustrations or maps, you will find this store magical. I dare you to walk in here and come out not having bought a piece of history to keep. read more

Whether you're a shopper like me who likes buying things with historical, aesthetic and intellectual weight or someone who wants an originally printed Audubon this store will please. Jim was incredibly knowledgeable and supplied us with a bounty of information on local and world history coupled with funny anecdotes about his intellectual friends. He also didn't seem to mind that I spent close to an hour and a half marveling over his collection. I really could have stayed all day but parking is $.25/7 minutes. read more

Finally, an establishment and pair of owners who just GET people like me and Ken Jennings. Cartography is very titillating, didn't you know? Why would you want to hang abstract art on your walls when you can have MAPS?! In a part of the city that splits its home decor offerings into three dumb categories: garish, large, and very heavy statues in Chinatown that I'm convinced never actually sell, very beige and angular "mod" art, and super antique, floral and/or darkwood pieces, these maps are incredible. So much to be learned in one trip. I have truly found love in a hopeless place (of home decor). read more

You know that scene from Beauty and the Beast when Belle walks into the Beast's library for the first time? Walking into Schein & Schein was like that for me. Love at first sight....A real gem of a store. read more

I found this great antique Victorian photo frame at Urban Ore in Berkeley (great treasure hunting here!). I wanted to put one of our wedding photos inside, but the backing of the frame was nailed on, and the back material looked fragile. Although the frame was in overall good condition, it's still 100 years old and I didn't want to mess with it! Enter Schein & Schein! A shop I have often passed while living in North Beach, but never had the occasion to patronize. Jim gave the frame a good inspection and his expertise and knowledge really showed as he described the frame and the work he could do. I appreciate good craftmanship and someone who is passionate about the work they do! The pricing he gave was very fair, and less than a week later it was ready and done beautifully with a new backing. I also realized after I left with my frame, that he had added a little mat on our photo as a nice bonus. There shop, which feels like a cozy library, also sell beautiful antique maps and photographs, along with their framing services. I try to shop locally whenever I can, and I hope to find more reasons to come back! read more

Good place to browse. Unique merchandise. City commerce department should pay these guys for their potential to amuse visitors. This is what makes North Beach special read more

Really cool place to find authentic maps going back even to the 1600s of all sizes. Cozy little shop with great atmosphere - could've spent an entire day just browsing what they had in store (and they have even more online). People working there definitely were familiar with their stock and pulled out several options in every category we were interested in. They also have a very nice setup for museum grade mounting and framing and sounded like they knew what they were doing. As long as you don't do anything to the maps like framing, they do accept returns. I give it one star less because it would have been nice if they had prints of these maps or had the capability to print copies of them - especially since you might not have the budget for the originals. We had picked a world atlas from the pages of a textbook and were ready to have them frame it there, but we did want an image of the text on the back. Unfortunately, they did not have a copier to do it there and once we do find a large printer we will have to make a trip into the city to frame it. read more

See all

This review is about their Custom Picture Framing. I feel lucky to have found this shop! I've had 6 pieces framed here and Jimmie & Marti always do an *amazing* job. Every detail is perfect every time. In addition to original pieces they've framed for me, I took them an inexpensive print -- and it looks like a million bucks now! We get compliments on the art all the time, and the framing is so good that no one can believe that one of the pieces is a cheap reproduction. Jimmie prides himself on "conservation quality acid-free products and U.V. protected glass" - museum-quality framing. And I especially love that he's not afraid to have a strong opinion about the best way to frame a piece.... that's the expertise I'm paying for! Most Grant Street merchants - including Schein & Schein - participate in "Third Thursday" during the summer, where they're open until 9 PM and serve wine and snacks. Since they're so warm and welcoming at Schein & Schein, this is a great time to go. As Erica mentioned, it's like hanging out in their living room. read more

I don't know if I could be any more impressed by the expert service, framing work and selection of Schein and Schein. I came in with over a dozen original World War I posters, and Jimmy took over an hour with us to give us advice, help preserve the posters for the short term, and assist us with some of the best matting and framing work I've seen. A month later we went in to pick up the two posters and they look absolutely beautiful. The frames are top notch, totally unique - and the matting couldn't be any more perfect. As for the selection in the shop - it's incredible and well worth a visit, or five. read more

I have yet to buy anything from Schein & Schein, and that doesn't seem to bother Jimmie and Marti. My girlfriend and I walked in one Saturday night after dinner and had a great time checking out old maps and prints and playing with the doggie. A couple of months later I brought Jimmie some old medical slides, which he helped me identify and then sell through an auction house in the city. He's a great guy to talk about on all sorts of issues; very knowledgeable. I think we could use many many more businesses like this one in San Francisco. read more

This place is a rare find, such a unique shop in North Beach! I only found it because it was recommended I go here to locate a pre-1906 SF earthquake map for a gift for a colleague. I was so glad to have been the chosen person to have to have to shop for this gift! Immediately upon entering the shop, I was greeted by the shop owner, who was knowledgeable beyond belief about every map he showed me. His prices were fair and reasonable and the maps he displayed were in mint condition. The best part about shopping here was that with each map, came an interesting story behind the map; it was amazing how much information the owner had about the maps and what he knew about the maps. Incredible store, worth checking out even if you do not normally have an interest in maps and old books! read more

Great selection - Jim helped me find an antique sailing boat print for my husbands birthday. He's more passionate about maps, but still had a fantastic selection - and was really knowledgable about dates and printing styles. Definately be back in there looking at maps again soon! read more

Terrific framing jobs on my collector items. They have the care, sensitivity, product knowledge and dedication to make your unframed or mal-framed piece "Schein (shine) & Schein." Just put up a piece next to the entrance of my bedroom and it's amazing how much the black and gold frame with perfect matting adds to the overall decor. Jiimmie and Marti are also continuing education professors of the history and significance of the many fascinating items in their spectactular, classic showroom. Their collections of antique maps and prints make it a destination for a sunny, North Beach afternoon seeped in the lore of the neighborhood and times past. Businesses like this are a real asset in all respects. read more

Nice cozy store, friendly and knowledgable owners, a lot of interesting ephemera. Parking is really tough. read more

Stopped in to browse cause I got a parking space nearby and ended up spending $400 on some GREAT OLD AND colorful VINTAGE maps and prints. The atmosphere is eclectic and very laid back. The owner, Jimmy is alone worththe trip. He is a well traveled musician who knows his music and history. An honest, hospitable gentleman with a gifted sense of humor, he also has maps, rare books and brochures from all over the world and from the 18th-21st century. Especially delightful are the artistically beautiful and colorful maps and prints of San Francisco from the 19th -20th century. Also very good modern guidebooks on San Francisco at reasonable prices. A must stop in North Beach. I will be back. Cheers Jimmy! read more

Jimmie and Marti Schein are running the best kind of business; providing an excellent service that people want, and then taking care of those people like royalty. Everyone walking in the shop is treated as a valuable contributor, and the maps, books and frames are endlessly hypnotic. Come and sit on their velvet couch and travel through history to the gift of the present. A remarkable experience. Quantum thought goes on here! read more

I came here to get my dad a birthday present. Since he loves antiques and he loves history, I thought an antique map would be perfect. I discovered Schein & Schein while walking around in North Beach, it was closed at the time but I was intrigued. When I stopped by a few days later, I was so impressed by the friendliness of the staff and the owner. They are incredibly friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and the best part was they are not judgmental about your price range. They spent a lot of time with me, helping me find the perfect piece for my dad, looking through tons of drawers and books to find the perfect map. The owner even wrote a little write up to send along with the map to give context and history of the map itself. My dad loved the gift, and I loved the service and store. I will definitely be back and would highly recommend this place!! read more

Oh my! This little shop is amazing. It's my dream come true. Thousands of old maps all around. If I ever have a ton of money, I will be coming here to purchase some of their beautiful collection (maps, botanical prints, woodblock prints, etc.) to decorate my abode. Until then, I will content myself by visiting as often as possible so I can talk to the friendly owners, ogle the maps, and spend what little I have on vintage magazines, postcards, and travel brochures. read more

You know you've come to the right place when you go into a shop in San Francisco ask for an antique map of Indiana and they say ooh were pretty picked clean, looks like we only have 2. Damn i'd be lucky to find that in Indiana. A great selection of old maps as well as many other books. Very helpful and friendly. I even managed to slice my finger on my umbrella and they helped me clean it up and hooked with up with a band-aid...if that's not service i'm not sure what is. read more

I went to City Lights in search of antique books with maps, and forgot they have no used books. I asked for a map store and the guy behind the counter lit up and pointed me up Grant St. Schein & Schein is almost cool enough to make me move to San Francisco. I spent about two hours in there just digging through drawer after drawer. Some items might strike you as expensive until you grasp that these maps are in pristine condition and they are in many cases 100+ years old. The great part about Jim is that he loves what he does and if you are interested in maps and antique photography, he will tell you anything you want to know. I also was a big fan of the cheap maps drawer which is a great place if you are a bit younger and the 1960s seem like they are extremely antique...I thought of some of those purchases as tomorrow's gems. You can't take it all in at once, which makes it exciting to think about getting back to SF to check it out again. read more

The beautiful historical pieces and high quality service here are a supreme combination. I guarantee I will return for more.

Where does this place get all of this stuff? Great selection for such a small place.. I've loved maps since I was a kid, I'd put this on a "must shop at" list read more

I was visiting SF and wanted to buy my dad something special for his upcoming birthday. While at Coit Tower, I saw a brochure for Schein and Schein, and decided to have a look. Arrived at 10:55am when they opened at 11am, so just decided to wait in front. Not one minute after, the owner Jimmy shows up, but asks me if I could just give him 10 minutes so he can open up. No problem, since I wasn't in a rush, and I just told him I'll take a walk around the block. He asked me if I was looking for anything specific, and I told him I was thinking of a map of SF Chinatown. He immediately said he knows of a couple, and then he offered to buy me a cup of coffee. Seeing as how I felt like I was inconveniencing him by arriving early and rushing him to open up, I politely declined, thanked him and said I'll be back in 10 minutes. Immediately, I knew I'd be buying something from the shop. You just don't get customer service like this anywhere anymore. I get back to the shop, and not only does Jimmy pull out the few maps he had in mind, but he gives me thr complete interesting stories and histories behind said maps. I already was interested in buying a map or two of Chinatown, but seeing Jimmy's passion for just the overall history of SF made my vacation even better. He even packed the two maps I bought in separate tubes since I mentioned I wanted to mail it directly to my dad. The only thing I regret was that I didn't have the time to go through every single map in the shop, and that I am not rich so I could afford both buy more maps, and a bigger apartment to put all the maps in! I already know that I will be back to SF, and of course stop at Schein & Schein again to go through everything thoroughly! Thanks, Jimmy, for a great experience! And my dad loves his SF Chinatown map! read more

A quality shop in all respects. Jimmie is just as happy talking your ear off about a wide range of subjects as he is selling you a fantastic print, of which there are many. If you want a small cute print for a few bucks or a rare Blaeu map for a bit more, they will hook you up, and frame it with great care. These guys love what they do and it shows. read more

Schein & Schein is a fascinating little shop. They have cool antique maps, magazines and prints for every budget (seriously, I bought a 1947 issue of the Ladies Home Journal for like $15.) The owners are very knowledgeable. I've spent hours in here sifting through clippings of everything from old National Park maps to political cartoons. They also have great historical California maps that are worth checking out. read more

Jim Schein claimed to be very knowledgable of Jo Mora illustrated maps and made an offer for mine based on email pictures.. As a result, I made an appointment to show him the maps and made the 3 hours driving trek to his location. While looking at the maps he accidentily ripped one of them then said the tear would not matter. He also said the size of the maps were not what he expected and offered me less. The next thing out of his mouth was he did not have any money so basically did not want to buy them. I was quite angry that I drove 3 hours to sell them and he had no means to buy them. Upon returning home, I googled and found out the sizes were correct and found out from Peter Hiller (Jo Mora curator) that the tear would significantly effect the value. Bottom line this guy is not professional, not careful with others property, nor considerate of others time. read more

Places like Schein & Schein are why I live in a world-class city like San Francisco. The first time a friend introduced me to Jim's museum-quality collection of antique maps and ephemera I was hooked. After he framed the map of the old country I found, I instantly fell in love with the quality their work. It's not just their attention to detail, but the understanding of the history and their passion for each work. Jim is a real class act. If you want prints, go to Walmart or Targét. If you want something unique and irreplacable, Schein & Schein should be your first stop. read more

Had a great experience here and the couple that run the place are nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. After browsing their incredible selection and debating among my "finalists", I left with a gorgeous map from the 1800's. read more