Field Trip: Culinary Arts Museum
Johnson & Wales University, a college known for it culinary arts program, has a great museum for every foodie and cooking fanatic. I actually learned about it while reading an article about kitchen design in the Boston Globe Magazine. I was intrigued by the idea of exploring cooking through the ages and seeing a little Julia Child memorabilia, so while our kids headed to Grandma & Papa’s one recent Saturday afternoon for a sleepover, we checked out the Culinary Arts Museum in Providence, RI.
My husband looks so like he would rather be going someplace else, doesn’t he? He is such a good sport!
I just love a museum in winter, especially on bitterly cold days when there is absolutely nothing you could do outside.
One of the first things that we learned at the museum is that food labeling is not such a new concept after all. The Blue Goose Buying Guide originated in 1935 to instruct consumers on how to purchase fruits and vegetables. It is even blue and white, just like NuVal!
There was some famous chef memorabilia, including an apron signed by Julia Child. But the best part of the museum came after all the famous chef stuff.
My husband and I have been researching a kitchen redesign for our house, so we were interested in checking out how kitchens have evolved through the ages.
There was a colonial kitchen:
I learned that the Number 2 cause of death for women in Colonial times (after childbirth) was cooking. Apparently, it was very dangerous. We don’t know how good we have it!
There was an 1880’s kitchen:
A 1909 kitchen:
And my favorite, a Country Fair Demonstration Kitchen.
I can’t remember the year of that kitchen, but from the looks of it, I would say it’s Pre-MadMen. It reminds me of the kitchen that was in my Great-Grandmother’s house.
I also loved this – a very early microwave, circa 1960.
The museum has some real treasures, like cooking artifacts from ancient times and Presidential China. But it also has some quirky collections, like these Pez dispensers:
My kids would have loved that.
Natives of Rhode Island would recognize the neon sign from Camille’s restaurant on Federal Hill. It was my grandmother’s favorite. It was heart-warming to see it there.
We were enjoying some peace and quiet on this Saturday, but if we had brought the kids, they would have loved this exhibit:
Like I said, my husband was a great sport. And he finally got his reward. The last exhibit in the museum is a Diner Exhibit. My husband loves, loves, loves diners.
The museum actually uses this space for various functions. In the Diner Exhibit, there are menus and other items from many, many diners, including some that my husband and I have frequented. It was so cool!
All this for only $6 with our AAA discount. If you love to cook and live in or around the Providence area, I definitely suggest a visit!
Turns out, my husband actually had a good time. We followed our museum visit up with dinner and a movie. It was a great date.
Question of the Day
What is your favorite museum?
Posted by: Melissa 7 comments
Posted in: Field Trips
Tags: Culinary Arts Museum
