Yes, you can have too much of a good thing. Just ask Dallas psychiatrist Joel Holiner. When his affinity for antiques outgrew the space to house them, it was time to get creative.
As a 40-year collector, his home was full. So were his kids’ garages.
“My wife Wendy said I know you love this stuff, you have beautiful things, but we can’t have anymore,” Holiner said. “You need to get a shop.”
Holiner took the suggestion to heart. Walking to his psychiatry practice located at Medical City Dallas, he had his a-ha moment.
“I’m on my way to my office and see this spot that had been empty since Covid. I thought, ‘What a great location for a store.’”
Turns out, the hospital administration agreed.
“An antique store was in line with their mission to serve the community; to make this a beautiful, comfortable place for the staff, patients, and visitors,” said Holiner.
As the only antique store in the world with a hospital location, M.D. Antiques is much more than a delightful surprise in Medical City’s A Atrium. The 991-square-foot shop is a literal treasure trove of 18th and 19th Century English, French, Continental, and Oriental antique furniture and decorative arts.
“I can’t tell if it looks bigger or smaller because it’s so packed,” Holiner laughed.
Among the standout pieces: a Madame Du Barry white marble bust, a Chinese black and red lacquered cabinet, a Meissen porcelain figural mantel clock, and a Baryne Animalier bronze equestrian statue. There’s also a robust selection of Imari tabletop, Baccarat crystal, and Delft blue and white pottery.
Prices range from a $40 cut glass dish to a $10,000 English 1840s mahogany breakfront.
“There are museum-quality pieces in here. The difference is you can buy them,” said Holiner. “And it’s not crazy money. Even our most expensive items are priced very well.”
Stock is replenished often. When not practicing psychiatry, the doctor scouts estate sales, thrift shops, and Craigslist.
Clientele extends beyond the hospital. Interior designers have discovered the shop. So have collectors.
“This past week, we had a guy come in and buy everything duck or pheasant related. Another customer was really into neoclassical bronzes,” he said.
“If we have what they collect, they get very, very excited.”
Holiner’s enthusiasm is contagious. He beams showing off a collection of crystal decanters. And he loves sharing a bit of history. Take a painting of Madonna and Child, for example.
“Back in the 1800s, the really rich families would send their children to Europe to look at classical pieces of art as part of their education. This was a copy of an earlier piece one of the students bought as a souvenir,” he said.
The challenge is getting the word out. A stronger online presence is in the works; Instagram followers are 500+ and growing.
“We actually had some folks in here from Egypt who wanted to buy the entire store,” said Holiner. “While they couldn’t take it all with them, I made sure they knew we can ship anywhere.”
M.D. Antiques is located at 7777 Forest Lane, Medical City Dallas Hospital Building A Atrium, Dallas. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
