Museums Every Food Lover Should Visit At Least Once

It seems fitting that of all the U.S. cities to be the host of the Museum of Food and Drink, New York City would be it. It also makes sense that someone dubbed "the mad scientist of food" by his alma mater (Yale, no less) would be the founder and president of such a spot (via Punch). Starting with Dave Arnold's initial idea to create the museum in 2005, followed by fundraisers and plenty of input from the country's best chefs, the first exhibition in 2013 kicked off the museum's opening with a boom (via MOFAD). Actually, though — it was entitled "BOOM" and was all about the puffing gun used to make a number of types of cereal.

Since its beginning, the museum has remained firmly outside the box, with exhibitions that showcase technologies, issues, and cultural discussions that push boundaries. For example, the "Flavor: Making It and Faking It" exhibit dug deep into the hidden business of manufacturing artificial flavors and was described by MOFAD as a "tasting and smelling adventure." If the thought of reading endless text in a museum bores you, a visit to MOFAD will leave you pleasantly surprised. Among the museum's list of values is the notion that "Food is fun," and that tells you just about everything you need to know about this dynamic spot.

Easily identified by the prominent 26-foot stainless steel fork statue in the waters of Lake Geneva, the Alimentarium in Vevey, Switzerland, is a whirlwind of education and fun. And, of course, it's centered around all things food-related. Exhibitions include roundups like "Food — the essence of life" and "#vegan" that investigate all sorts of things. They tie visual and sensory installations into themes regarding health, nutrition, environment, society, and more. The museum's goal is to dig into both past and present elements governing our culinary spheres.

Beyond the permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Alimentarium is a source of activity for both kids and adults. Workshops are regularly offered where you can learn how to whip up Lebanese mezze, cook nutritious meals, or drop off your kids for an instructive and fun experience. Per its website, the Alimentarium has been a leading player in the global food conversation since its opening in 1985. If you can't make it to Switzerland just yet, the museum's online offerings are worthwhile and aim to provide visitors with resources to start exploring various facets of food.

It's one thing to visit a museum showcasing your favorite food, but how about the Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö, Sweden? This is undoubtedly a unique concept, though it's worth mentioning that one person's idea of gross food can be a favorite food for another. The reasoning behind the museum's concept is to discover the variability in the notion of disgust and see whether people from different cultures can learn to appreciate foods previously shunned. Aside from expanding our palates, being open to a wider range of food might be an environmentally sustainable way to guide our future consumption.

Among the questionable foods, visitors will find learn more about regional specialties such as cuy (Peruvian roasted guinea pig), hákarl (aged Icelandic shark), and durian (a notoriously stinky fruit from Thailand). Of course, it would be boring if you could only read about these foods, and guests have the opportunity to smell and taste some of them. Be forewarned; the museum's Instagram page shares a running count of the number of guests who have vomited in the process. If you're so inspired that you want to open your own disgusting food exhibit, the museum welcomes partnerships and provides plenty of tips and recommendations to do so.

Although mustard isn't the most popular condiment in the U.S., according to a report by Quartz, it's still among the top offerings to smear over a sandwich or hot dog. And the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, is the place to go if mustard is number one on your list. If a selection of 5,000 plus mustard jars sounds like something you want to see, you've come to the right place. Per the website, what started off as founder Barry Levenson's personal mustard collection soon expanded to include products from over 70 countries, including antiques and historically significant mustards.

From agriculture to fine dining, mustard shows up in many contexts and there's plenty to discover. It's not all theory either; guests can taste from an assortment of mustards both sweet and hot at the Tasting Bar. Of course, you'll be able to buy your favorite styles to take home. According to the website, the mustard museum is on the National Registry of Hysterical Places — who knew mustard was so multifaceted? If you're on the fence about visiting, this fountain of mustard knowledge is totally free to explore!

The Butter Museum in Cork, Ireland, is a source of information for all things butter-related. The history of the ubiquitous ingredient and its place throughout the country is showcased, bringing the visitor along for a historical, cultural, and culinary journey. From small-scale to industrial production, butter has evolved in connection with Irish society. While modern consumers might not take note where their butter comes from, Cork was in fact the largest producer worldwide for 150 years, which makes the museum's collection so valuable.

Museum guests can view the transition from agriculture to product, and discover the creation of the Kerrygold butter brand, which is still going strong to this day. Meanwhile, the artistically inclined will admire the selection of butter packaging graphic designs, highlighting the kitchen staple in its progression over time. Unfortunately, Yelp reviewers note that no tastings are offered, but that can be remedied with a quick stop at a local supermarket where you will find a vast selection of Kerrygold goods.

You probably won't have to twist any arms to convince your travel companions to visit Choco Story in Brussels, Belgium. From its role in Mayan and Aztec cultures to its arrival in Europe, chocolate has always been considered special. Museum guests get to learn all about the steps that go into making the sweet treat, and, more importantly after an actual demonstration of the process, they get to taste it. According to the museum's website, the first pralines were made at the start of the 20th century in Belgium, so it's only right that you make a point to try them at the source!

If you're looking for a more interactive experience, workshops to learn how to make chocolate tablets and pralines are offered. Of course, you'll have extras to take home and savor long after you've left the museum (or maybe not so long). If you're eager to try as many Belgian delicacies as possible, a tasting combining beer and chocolate is also available to museum guests. Honestly, with the various activities, you could very well spend countless hours enjoying yourself at Choco Story.

Unless you're lactose intolerant (and maybe even then), cheese is another food that's hard not to like. And while plenty of countries can be applauded for their cheese-making skills, the Dutch do it exceptionally well. At the Dutch Cheese Museum in Alkmaar, Holland, you'll discover countless fun cheese facts, such as that the average Dutchman eats 37 pounds of the stuff per year. The museum's location is specifically chosen as it is right by the Waagplein square — the site of a legendary weekly cheese market from spring to fall, according to the website.

Cheese production in general, and more specifically in Holland, make up a large part of the exhibit, and fun games including a scavenger hunt keep the visit fun for all ages. By the time you leave, you'll know the ins and outs of top Dutch cheeses like gouda and edammer. Buy your favorites and enjoy an impromptu picnic after your visit.

Although Idaho has a firm grip on the U.S. potato market, in Canada, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the heart of Canada's production (via The Canadian Encyclopedia). The tiny island on the country's east coast claims to hold the largest collection of potato-related farming equipment and artifacts at the Canadian Potato Museum. The obvious first stop is the photo op with the giant potato statue by the entrance.

Inside, you'll learn everything you never knew about the agricultural process behind potato farming. In particular, museum guests will get to see how PEI's one-of-a-kind red soil sets it up for extra delicious spuds (around 100 varieties!). On top of the museum visit, guests can choose to tour an active potato or dairy farm to see it all in action. If you're visiting in the summer months, be sure to grab a bite at the PEI Potato Country Kitchen next door to refuel your energy after this hunger-inducing visit.

Italian cuisine easily comes to mind in the vast world of food, and the Food Museums of Parma in Parma, Italy are a testament to the country's vast repertoire of culinary delights. An assortment of museums highlighting important regional products is open to visitors, and there is an emphasis on integrating them into the local preexisting food and wine trails. Plus, the majority of the buildings are historical sites of old markets, factories, and ancient plants.

Thanks to the abundance of products made in the surroundings, the area where the museum is located is referred to as the Parma Food Valley. The variety is impressive, and you'll find dedicated buildings exploring the history, culture, production, and gastronomy of delicacies such as Parma prosciutto, pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, tomatoes, wine, Culatello di Zibello, Porcini mushrooms, and salami. Sure, these are museums, but dynamic guest interaction is a key factor in the experience. Be ready to touch, taste, and get involved in every gourmet opportunity Parma has to offer (via Musei del Cibo).

Asparagus isn't at the top of everyone's list of favorite vegetables, but in Germany, the green spears are a big deal. In fact, Atlas Obscura remarks that here, it is referred to as "the royal vegetable." So it's not really a huge surprise to find the European Asparagus Museum in Schrobenhausen, Germany, the heart of the vegetable's growing area in Bavaria. Aside from being a source for all things asparagus, the building itself is a piece of history, as it was once part of the city's wall and housed a prison.

Asparagus lovers will delight at the curated collection of historical, botanical, and agricultural facts. Meanwhile, relevant art and oddities keep everyone intrigued (there's even a painting of asparagus done by Andy Warhol, according to Atlas Obscura). Per the museum's website, the first-floor exhibit dials in on "eating asparagus," so home chefs might even learn a trick or two for cooking the spring vegetable.

Unless you're a true fan, you might not know that Dr Pepper is the oldest large-scale producer of soft drinks and syrups in the U.S. The beverage was created in 1885 in Waco, Texas, which is also the location of the Dr Pepper Museum. The building was once a bottling plant, and it is teeming with history in every room. Apart from spreading the love for this sweet beverage, the museum also serves as an educational institute to teach people of all ages about the country's economic structure.

Education is great, but the real fun comes from the various activities the museum offers. Make-A-Soda allows guests to create their own drink using assorted flavor syrups, and Taste-A-Soda sets you up with a selection of soft drinks to try with a Soda Sommelier overseeing the experience. If you drink nothing but Dr Pepper and want a VIP tour, the Extreme Pepper Experience is designed for you. For something informative yet a little more low-key, the Liquid Lab is your best bet. There's even a Paranormal Tour on offer to dig deeper into the history of the museum and building.

While you might stick to eating gingerbread around the holidays, at The Museum of Toruń Gingerbread in Toruń, Poland, it's a year-round affair. The site of the museum held a gingerbread confectionery known as Kopernik in the late 1800s, so your visit will be informative and historical. According to its website, this is the first interactive museum in Europe which is symbolic in itself (part of the interaction involves baking and eating!).

The stories and legends at the heart of this delightful treat are explored, and the installations highlight its evolution from the Medieval Ages to the current day. From dough ingredients to molds to baking equipment, a thorough overview is provided to educate guests on the entire process. Once they've worked up an appetite, museum visitors have the chance to make and decorate their own gingerbread — and of course — taste! To add to the fun, guests get to use wooden medieval molds, guaranteeing their creations are one-of-a-kind.

Anyone can pop open a can of soda and pour it over their favorite spirit, but at The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) in New Orleans, guests will discover the art of making a perfectly crafted drink. As a part of the National Food & Beverage Foundation, you can bet that the establishment is educational and packed with interesting exhibits. The cocktail museum was founded by one of the earlier leaders in the fine drinks movement, Dale DeGroff, and, along with other experts, he guides amateurs and professionals alike in their quest to learn more.

With memorabilia and plenty of historical facts, MOTAC is your source for anything cocktail-related — except for an actual cocktail that is. Atlas Obscura notes that there is no bar on-site, however, regular mixology workshops and seminars offer participants more learning experiences and some drinks. If you can't make it to New Orleans, a permanent exhibition in Los Angeles is also open.