10 Unique Museums Devoted to Food Culture

Satiate your curiosity and hunger with these food-centric exhibitions. Exhibitions about food have gained immense popularity over the last decade. These 10 museums are dedicated to specific aspects of food culture, from global discussions about food nature to interactive experiences centered around our favorite delicacies.

SPAM Museum

Located in Austin, Minnesota, the SPAM Museum celebrates the fascinating history of a food that evokes strong opinions. The museum showcases memorabilia, particularly highlighting its role during World War II, when SPAM found its way to Hawaii and the Marshall Islands, becoming a beloved staple.

Admission: Free

Hours:

101 3rd Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912

November-March: Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm; Sunday: 12pm-5pm

April-October: Monday-Saturday: 10am-6pm; Sunday: Noon-5pm

CLOSED: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day

Chocolate Museum Cologne

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany, offers a comprehensive history of chocolate, from the ancient Mayans to modern European confectionary delights. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, indulge in sweet treats at the café, and explore a wide array of chocolate products for sale.

Admission:

Adults: €9.00, Groups (15+ persons): €8.50, Discounts available

Hours:

Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday/Sunday/bank holidays: 11:00 AM- 7:00 PM

Frietmuseum, Bruges

Located in the historic center of Bruges, the Frietmuseum dives into the rich history of the beloved Belgian fry, or frites. Exhibits take you through the journey of potatoes from Peru to one of Belgium’s most cherished national dishes, complete with tastings in medieval potato cellars.

Hours:

Daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (last tickets at 4:15 PM) and closed on select holidays.

Admission: Adults: €7

Museum of Food & Drink (MOFAD)

The Museum of Food & Drink, currently operating as MOFAD Lab in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, promises to be an innovative space focused on food education. Hosting a variety of public programs, cooking classes, and tastings, MOFAD embodies the future of food-themed exhibitions.

Location: 62 Bayard Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Hours: Open Friday to Sunday, noon to 6 PM.

Museum of Ice Cream

Slated for opening in 2017, the Museum of Ice Cream in New York aims to be an interactive and shareable experience centered around everyone’s favorite frozen treat. With plans for unique installations, including a swimmable sprinkle pool and an immersive chocolate room, this innovative museum has caught significant media attention.

Museum of Prosciutto and Cured Meats

Housed in the region of Parma, Italy, the Museum of Prosciutto and Cured Meats celebrates the rich tradition of prosciutto-making. Visitors can learn about the unique climatic conditions that contribute to the flavor of this renowned product and enjoy tastings.

Location: Via Bocchialini, 7 Langhirano (PR)

Hours: March 1 to December 8, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Admission: €4.00

National Museum of Pasta

Italy’s connection to pasta is profound, and thus, the National Museum of Pasta in Rome reflects its illustrious history. The museum features various artifacts illustrating pasta production techniques, along with a library of significant culinary literature.

Admission: €10

Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. (Currently closed, anticipated to reopen in 2017)

Southern Food and Beverage Museum

This museum focuses on the culinary traditions of the southern United States. As part of the National Food & Beverage Foundation, it hosts informative events, classes, and a calendar featuring local culinary experiences.

Admission: $10.50, discounts available for students and seniors.

Hours: Open Wednesday through Monday, 11 AM to 5:30 PM

Gourmet Museum and Library

The Gourmet Museum and Library in Belgium combines literature and culinary history, holding an extraordinary collection of gastronomy books and over 1200 artifacts related to cooking and food preparation.

Location: Hermalle-sous-Huy, province of Liège, Belgium

Admission: Adults: €6.5, Discounts for children and groups available.

Wilbur Chocolate Candy Americana Museum & Candy Store

Located in Lancaster County, this charming museum showcases chocolate and candy making history, complete with over 1,000 artifacts and an open candy kitchen producing sweet delights.

Admission: Free

48 North Broad Street (Route 501) Lititz, PA 17534

Hours: Monday through Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM; Closed Sundays