Claire
Want to see Julia Child’s actual kitchen? You can. It’s at the Smithsonian.
But that’s not the only place to experience Julia. A major traveling exhibit is touring the country right now, and it might be coming to a city near you.
Here’s your complete guide to Julia Child museum exhibits in 2026.
Julia Child’s Kitchen at the Smithsonian
Where is Julia Child’s kitchen? Julia Child’s kitchen is permanently displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. It’s part of the “FOOD: Transforming the American Table” exhibit. The kitchen was donated in 2001 and first went on display in 2002.
This is the real thing. Not a replica. The actual kitchen from Julia’s home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she filmed many of her TV shows and tested recipes for her famous cookbook.
What’s Included
Julia donated everything:
- The custom 6-burner Garland stove
- The famous pegboard with hanging pots
- Over 1,200 kitchen items
- Cabinets, countertops, flooring
- Even the kitchen table
The Smithsonian recreated the exact layout of her kitchen, down to the placement of every pot and pan.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Museum | National Museum of American History |
| Location | Washington, D.C., National Mall |
| Exhibit | “FOOD: Transforming the American Table” |
| Admission | Free |
| Hours | 10 AM – 5:30 PM daily (closed Dec 25) |
| Address | 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560 |
| Website | americanhistory.si.edu |
Pro tip: The kitchen is one of the most popular exhibits in the museum. Visit early in the day to avoid crowds.
“Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” Traveling Exhibit
Is there a Julia Child traveling exhibit? Yes. “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” is a major traveling exhibition currently touring the United States. It features interactive elements, personal objects, Paul Child’s photographs, and explores Julia’s journey from spy to chef to TV star.
This is the big one. If you can’t get to Washington D.C., this exhibit might come to you.
What’s Included
The exhibit covers Julia’s entire life:
- Personal objects and memorabilia
- Paul Child’s photographs
- Interactive cooking elements
- Video clips from her shows
- Recreated environments from her life
It’s produced by Flying Fish Exhibits in collaboration with the Julia Child Foundation and The Schlesinger Library at Harvard. Sponsored by Oceania Cruises.
Exhibit Schedule 2025-2026
Here’s where you can see “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life”:
| Dates | Location | Museum |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 31 – May 18, 2025 | Cincinnati, OH | Cincinnati Museum Center |
| Apr 18, 2025 – Mar 8, 2026 | St. Helena, CA | Napa Valley Museum |
| Jun 4 – Sep 1, 2025 | Muskegon, MI | Muskegon Museum of Art |
| Sep 27, 2025 – May 31, 2026 | Saint Paul, MN | Minnesota History Center |
| Oct 21, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027 | Charlotte, NC | TBA |
More venues are expected to be announced. Check the Flying Fish Exhibits website for updates.
Past Exhibit Locations
The traveling exhibit has previously visited:
- Ella Sharp Museum (Jackson, MI) – October 2024 to January 2025
If you missed these, don’t worry. The exhibit continues to tour and new locations are added regularly.
Cincinnati Museum Center Exhibit
The Cincinnati Museum Center hosted the exhibit from January 31 to May 18, 2025.
Visitor Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Museum | Cincinnati Museum Center |
| Address | 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203 |
| Website | cincymuseum.org |
Minnesota History Center Exhibit
The Minnesota History Center is hosting “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” from September 27, 2025 through May 31, 2026.
This is fitting since the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) has been involved with Julia Child exhibitions for years.
Visitor Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Museum | Minnesota History Center |
| Address | 345 W Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55102 |
| Dates | Sep 27, 2025 – May 31, 2026 |
| Website | mnhs.org |
Napa Valley Museum Exhibit
The Napa Valley Museum is hosting the exhibit from April 18, 2025 through March 8, 2026.
This is especially meaningful because Napa Valley was close to Julia’s heart. She spent her later years in California and loved the wine country.
Visitor Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Museum | Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture |
| Address | 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville, CA 94599 |
| Dates | Apr 18, 2025 – Mar 8, 2026 |
| Website | napavalleymuseum.org |
Muskegon Museum of Art Exhibit
The Muskegon Museum of Art in Michigan is hosting the exhibit from June 4 to September 1, 2025.
Visitor Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Museum | Muskegon Museum of Art |
| Location | Muskegon, MI |
| Dates | Jun 4 – Sep 1, 2025 |
| Website | muskegonartmuseum.org |
Julia Child Exhibit Near Me
Looking for a Julia Child exhibit near you? Here’s how to find one:
- Check the schedule above for current and upcoming locations
- Visit flyingfishexhibits.com for the latest tour schedule
- Search your local museum’s website for special exhibitions
- Plan a trip to Washington D.C. to see the permanent Smithsonian exhibit
The traveling exhibit moves to new cities every few months. If it’s not near you now, it might be soon.
Tips for Visiting
For the Smithsonian:
- Arrive early (opens at 10 AM)
- The kitchen is on the first floor
- Allow 1-2 hours for the FOOD exhibit
- Admission is free
- Combine with other Smithsonian museums
For the traveling exhibit:
- Book tickets in advance for popular dates
- Check for member discounts
- Look for special events like cooking demonstrations
- Allow 1-2 hours for the full exhibit
Other Julia Child Sites to Visit
Beyond museum exhibits, Julia fans can also visit places significant to her life:
- Cambridge, Massachusetts – Where she lived and cooked for decades
- Santa Barbara, California – Where she spent her final years
- Paris, France – Where she discovered French cooking at Le Cordon Bleu
These locations offer a deeper connection to Julia’s story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Julia Child’s kitchen is at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Yes. Admission to the National Museum of American History is free.
Yes. “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” is currently touring the United States.
In 2026, you can see the exhibit at the Napa Valley Museum (through March 8), Minnesota History Center (through May 31), and Charlotte, NC (starting October 21).
Yes. Julia donated her entire kitchen from her Cambridge, Massachusetts home in 2001.
Check the Flying Fish Exhibits website for the current tour schedule, or plan a trip to the permanent Smithsonian exhibit in Washington, D.C.
Sources
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History
- Flying Fish Exhibits – Julia Child: A Recipe for Life
- Minnesota Historical Society
- Napa Valley Museum
- Wikipedia – Julia Child’s Kitchen
– Claire
