10 museum exhibits about eating and drinking

Travelers can satisfy a craving for knowledge at these food and beverage-focused exhibits and museums across the country. From famous chefs to ancient Mesopotamia, the world of food is surprisingly well represented at our nation’s cultural institutions.

You can learn who invented a machine that sliced carrots into sticks in 1959 and discover where baby carrots come from (hint: they don’t grow that way) at the FOOD exhibit at the National Museum of American History. At the Beerology exhibit at the Museum of Man, you’ll find out where the world’s oldest liquid beer was discovered. You can learn where chef Ferran Adrià gets his inspiration, sit down in a re-created New Hampshire tavern from the 1800s, view thousands of pizza-themed ephemera and much more at these experiences across America. And for those wondering how you can enjoy an exhibit on food without actually eating, several of them incorporate edible treats into the displays.

Exhibitions range from broad (the modern history of food in America) to very specific (Spanish chef Ferran Adrià). Coincidentally, there are two Chinese food exhibits in New York City right now, one at the Museum of Chinese in America and one at the Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD).

“We are excited to launch Chow and provide our visitors with a first-hand experience of Chinese American culture and its culinary achievements,” says Peter J. Kim, executive director of MOFAD. “We are presenting our curated content in innovative ways that are truly interactive, memorable and delicious.”

While some exhibits are temporary, there are plenty of permanent museums devoted to food. Browse the gallery above for 10 fun ways to whet your appetite for food, education and entertainment.