The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences (“Nature Museum”) has revealed a redesigned retail space created and donated by the Chicago custom furniture firm SHELFD. The $100,000 project was led by husband and wife Aaron and Karly Mayerle, who created a sustainable, nature-inspired design.
Nature Museum New Store Opens
The Nature Museum announced on September 19, 2025, that a redesigned retail store is now ready to welcome customers. The redesigned store emphasizes guest experience, practical layout, and sustainable design.
“We are so thankful to Aaron and Karly for their generous donation to the Nature Museum. It is our goal to make the Nature Museum an inspiring place for families to connect with nature, and we are so grateful to hear the impact it has had on the Mayerle family,” said Erin Amico, president and CEO of the Nature Museum. “Aaron and Karly’s gift of the new retail store will greatly improve how we serve our guests and leave a lasting mark on the Nature Museum for years to come.”
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Designed and Donated By SHELFD
The redesign was led by husband-and-wife team Aaron and Karly Mayerle, the owners of SHELFD. The store has been donated to the Nature Museum, which is open to the public seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and entry is free for Illinois residents every Thursday.
The redesign combines check-in and retail checkout into a single, convenient spot for guests as they enter the museum. The store features nature-inspired details, including custom wooden cube shelving, pegboard walls for flexible displays, and materials that reduce noise while adding visual interest.
In early 2026, a bold geometric tree sculpture will be installed in the center of the store, creating a striking focal point in the museum lobby.
SHELFD also contributed four mini cube chairs and ottomans to the museum’s Sustainability Center, creating a cozy spot for kids exploring the exhibit’s resource area.
“Sustainability is a key part of our design process, and it is at the core of how we give back to our community. The Nature Museum is an important place for our family. It is where we get to watch our daughter build a strong curiosity for the natural world,” said Aaron Mayerle, owner of SHELFD. “We are proud to bring our design to the Nature Museum and hope it inspires guests to shop and explore in a space that celebrates craftsmanship and the beauty of nature.”
The Nature Museum, established in 1857, engages people with nature and science through research, education, and community programs while maintaining collections that further knowledge of ecology and biodiversity.
SHELFD of Chicago creates sustainable, handcrafted furniture that blends modern technology and 3D-printed elements with timeless craftsmanship.
