I had the chance to preview FOOD: Science, Culture, and Cuisine, the new exhibit opening Friday at Conner Prairie, and came away impressed.
The multi-sensory exhibition — the first national traveling exhibition ever hosted at Conner Prairie — opens June 12 and runs through September 13 in the upper and lower exhibition galleries inside the Museum Experience Center. The museum calls it a major milestone in its evolution as a year-round destination for immersive learning.
The exhibit explores the universal language of food through science, history and culture, engaging all five senses — sight, smell, taste, touch and sound. Visitors can discover the science behind cooking, the cultural traditions that shape what we eat, and the innovations transforming how food is produced and consumed today, from ancient cooking techniques to modern culinary advancements.
“This exhibition represents an exciting new chapter for Conner Prairie,” said Norman Burns, the museum’s president and CEO. “As our first national traveling exhibition, FOOD: Science, Culture, and Cuisine allows us to bring a global perspective to our guests while deepening our commitment to innovative, immersive storytelling. Food is something that connects every single one of us, and this experience invites visitors to explore those connections in ways that are both meaningful and unforgettable.”
The exhibition was designed by La Cité des sciences et de l’industrie, the Paris science museum, in partnership with the French research institute INRAE, and is produced by Imagine, a global exhibition design firm with more than 40 experiences running around the world. Corteva Agriscience is the presenting sponsor.
“Food is an essential part of our lives, and this exhibition offers a unique, educational, and engaging experience for visitors of all ages to better understand how food has shaped our world,” said Tom Zaller, CEO of Imagine.
Beyond the kitchen, the exhibit highlights the intersections of food with health, technology and the arts, with interactive multimedia experiences that let guests test their knowledge and experiment with new ideas.
The limited-time exhibition is included in general admission. More information is available at connerprairie.org/food.
Conner Prairie, Indiana’s first Smithsonian affiliate, spans more than 1,000 wooded acres and welcomes more than 300,000 visitors annually.
