culinary arts museum

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....

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.

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!

After reading other reviews of the museum, we planned a stop during our driving tour of New England. The museum is situated on a university campus, but was easy to find and had ample parking. There was a small entrance fee. The exhibits were well done and we were very happy that we stopped. I would recommend visiting if you happen to be in the area. A great way to spend an hour or so.

This museum is a must see for foodies and nostalgic cooks as well as everyone else! I still remember thinking however did my Grandmother cook such delicious and complete holiday dinners on a stove that today looks even less utile than an easy-bake oven! Enjoy!

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.

I have a particular interest in all things food related so this was a great little museum for me to visit. It's very well laid out with some very good exhibits and interesting artefacts.

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.

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.

We love this museum, but unfortunately it is closed for renovation and will not reopen until some time in 2014.I hope they put in a cafe. After watching the movie of the international bread competition, we always leave there craving a crunchy baguette.

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.

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!

This is an excellent museum, tracing the art of cooking back to ancient times while focusing on the last century of American cuisine. The detailed displays on diners are amongst the finest, but from county fairs to drive ins, we learn what makes up the essence of American cooking culture. Arrangements are eye-catching and descriptions just the right length to explain but not detain. The whole effort amounts to a celebration of the intermix of food and everyday life in ways that are utterly American. Well worth a visit -- but please note that the museum is shortly to close for a year so check carefully on opening dates.

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.