The Muskegon Museum of Art will serve up a flavorful experience this summer as it presents Julia Child: A Recipe for Life, opening Thursday, June 5. The interactive exhibition, on view through Sept. 1, explores the beloved chef’s journey from curious cook to cultural icon, offering a multisensory look at her life and lasting culinary legacy.
Developed in collaboration with the Napa Valley Museum and produced by Flying Fish Exhibits, Julia Child: A Recipe for Life goes beyond the kitchen to share the moments that shaped her as a trailblazer in food media. Visitors will walk through a replica of her groundbreaking television set from The French Chef, try their hand at vintage video cameras, mix faux ingredients, and immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells that defined Child’s kitchen.
Artifacts on display include personal letters, kitchen tools, and photographs taken by her husband, Paul Child. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the relationships and resilience that fueled her work and shaped modern American cooking.
“The Julia Child Foundation, which Julia created to carry on her contributions, marvels at how Julia’s example still inspires individuals to learn to cook and pursue their dreams as well as make our food more delicious and sustainable,” said Todd Schulkin, executive director of the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. “As one of the most comprehensive portraits of Julia’s story and legacy, Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is not to be missed.”
Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for Muskegon Museum of Art members and $2 for youth under 17. Admission includes access to all exhibitions and galleries and can be purchased onsite in the Museum Store.
A Season of Julia-Inspired Events
To celebrate the exhibition, the museum and its community partners will host a series of culinary-inspired events throughout the summer.
Bon Appétit! Live Cooking Demos
In collaboration with the Culinary Institute of Michigan, chefs will bring Child’s recipes to life in a three-part live demo series held on Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.
Appetizer: June 19
Main Course: July 17
Dessert: Aug. 21
Julia Child’s Bon Appétit! A Delicious Cabaret
This playful 20-minute opera by Lee Hoiby brings Child’s wit and recipes to the stage in a lively tribute. Presented at The Playhouse at White Lake:
Evening performances: 7:30 p.m. July 11–12
Matinees: 3 p.m. July 12–13
Super Saturday: Printmaking with Fruit
Families are invited to get creative on Saturday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a food-inspired printmaking activity. Free general admission and STEAM activities are available for all ages.
Julia Child’s Better with Butter Class
Learn to churn your own butter with The Cheese Lady, Kathleen Fagan Riegler, on:
July 23: 3:30–4:30 p.m. and 5–6 p.m.
Aug. 27: 3:30–4:30 p.m. and 5–6 p.m.
Tickets are $18 for the public and $15 for members and include admission to the exhibition before the class.
Julia Child Birthday Party & Happy Hour
On Friday, Aug. 15, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., the museum will toast to Julia’s birthday with light bites, bubbly, cake, guided tours and printmaking fun. Tickets are $23 for the public and $15 for members. Ages 21+; advance registration encouraged.
For event details and exhibition information, visit muskegonartmuseum.org.
Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is locally presented by Mike and Kay Olthoff and supported by DTE Energy, Hines Corporation, Steve and Deb Olsen, Gary and Wendy Merkey, Patrick O’Leary and Karen Yamasaki, Jean Chin, Amy Tenny, Swanson Pickle, Fifth Third Bank, Bekins – TrevArrow, Straight Line Design, and WGVU Public Media.
