This is a fun museum in that it's not like any other museum. Everything is about the culinary arts - from the displays of historical cooking instruments to the display on the diner. It's quirky, in a very charming way. It's fun to say "Hey, I have that cookbook" or "I remember that appliance." It does seem a little disjointed however, so my advice would be to follow the map/floor plan. Otherwise, it would be too easy to go into overload and not take the time to really enjoy the museum.
Several displays of diners in America, old cooking and food processing equipment, information on French brigade style kitchens and a whole lot more, it is definitely worth the couple of hours it will take to go through the entire place. If you like food, history and the Food Network or cooking shows, this is a must see place.
If you're a foodie like me and like to look at food related things from a restored early soda fountain to antique kitchen appliances, this is the place for you. The museum also has a superb library of cookbooks and other books related to the culinary arts.
I don’t think there is another one in this country. I’m not a fully trained chef but I took many cooking classes in my last two years of med school. So this was a very fascinating experience. Also, the university library boasts a collection of every cookbook and menu ever printed.
Really interesting place. Small yet comprehensive. It makes you appreciate the strides cooking profession achieved. The whole family enjoyed it despite having not so bright history with museums visits. They have students discounts which made it quite affordable. Highly recommended.
Permanent and special exhibits that focus on lots of food and cooking related topics, including diners, celebrity chefs, county fairs, and travelling. Appealing to people of all ages. Definitely worth a visit.
My son attends Johnson & Wales as a culinary student - I've been to the museum on several occasions & each time, I find something new that I didn't see before. If you're a foodie, this is one for your Bucket List!
First culinary museum I have ever visited. The site reviewed the trends in eating/dining for the past century. Fee is minimal. Good entertainment for an hour. See the videos in the old diner!
The Culinary Arts Museum is a part of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. For anyone that is an aficionado of the culinary arts, this will definitely keep you entertained for about an hour. You'll get to see how restaurants have evolved over the years, as well as how kitchens have evolved, both at home and in restaurants. A favorite exhibit of ours was showing how the diner has evolved. There is also a display of where some of the more popular diner slang came from.There is plenty of parking in front of the museum and a Mr. Potato Head statue in the lobby as well.
After being shuttered for months, I looked forward to the renovated Museum with some anticipation. Though it was good--or good enough--before, I was expecting a major transformation. Yes, a few exhibits have been added, but nothing that would seem to have justified the long closure. The best exhibit was--and still is--the one that covers diners: design construction, menus and typical dishes. I just with J&W had done more to really put this museum on the map. And a small café wouldn't be a bad idea either....