Professor Seagull’s Smartshop and Gallery

Vibe: Whimsical & Mind-Bending | Botanical & Witchy | Consciousness-Expanding

Professor Seagull’s Smartshop is a one-of-a-kind North Beach destination that functions as a botanical herb shop, art gallery, and “consciousness-expanding” community space. Founded by Benjamin and Juliette Manton, it is inspired by the legendary eccentric Joe Gould (nicknamed “Professor Seagull”). The shop specializes in legal, ethnobotanical plants from around the world—such as Blue Lotus and Kanna—served with a side of visionary art. The interior is a sleek blend of Scandinavian-inspired shelving and psychedelic murals, creating a space that feels like a modern apothecary for the curious soul.

The main floor is lined with glass jars of obscure herbs and “nootropics,” while the walls serve as a rotating gallery for artists focused on “mind-bending imagery.”

• First Friday Whimsy: Every First Friday (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM), the Smartshop is a high-energy anchor for the neighborhood art walk. These evenings feature new art openings, live music from experimental and psychedelic acts, and talented dancers, all aimed at “pushing into the stratosphere of what is possible.”

• Full Moon Trip Temple: In partnership with Live Worms Gallery, the shop hosts monthly “Full Moon” gatherings. These 21+ immersive events blend live ambient music, community integration circles, and collaborative art, fostering a safe space for deep social connection.

• Psychedelic Cinema & Integration: The venue regularly hosts free film screenings (such as documentaries on Ram Dass or Timothy Leary) and “Integration Circles” where community members can discuss their experiences with plant medicines in a non-judgmental, educational environment.

• The “Joe Gould” Spirit: True to its namesake, the shop celebrates the quirky, bohemian history of North Beach, acting as a modern-day hub for the same brand of “intellectual outsiders” who once frequented the neighborhood’s historic bars and bookstores.