Press Release

Celebrating an American Culinary Icon, Julia Child, with New Exhibition at the Muskegon Museum of Art

MUSKEGON, MI — The Muskegon Museum of Art is excited to present Julia Child: A Recipe for Life on Thursday, June 5. The exhibition isan immersive experience that explores the key ingredients in Julia Child’s personal journey to becoming a culinary icon in America. Visitors will step into a replica of her famous television studio from The French Chef, explore the sights, sounds, and scents from her kitchen, and discover the inspiring moments where she transformed American cuisine. Julia Child: A Recipe for Life will be on view at the Muskegon Museum of Art from June 5 – September 1.

“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. As one of the most comprehensive portraits of Julia’s story and legacy, Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is not to be missed,” said Todd Schulkin, Executive Director of the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts.

Julia Child: A Recipe for Life explores pivotal, inspiring moments in Julia Child’s life and the supportive network of family and friends that contributed to her career, offering a comprehensive view beyond her renowned status as a television personality and author. Visitors will experience interactive spaces like The French Chef television studio, where they can operate a vintage video camera, mix “ingredients”, and feel like part of the show. Photographs by Julia’s husband, Paul Child, are also included, along with her personal correspondence and favorite kitchen tools.

Tickets to Julia Child: A Recipe for Life are $20 per adult, $5 for Muskegon Museum of Art Members, and $2 for children under 17. Each ticket includes admission to all other galleries and exhibitions at the art museum and can be purchased in the Museum Store upon arrival.

The Muskegon Museum of Art will be hosting a series of events inspired by Julia Child.

Bon Appétit! Live Cooking Demos:

  • Appetizer – Thursday, June 19 | 1-2 PM & 6-7 PM
  • Main Course –Thursday, July 17 | 1-2 PM & 6-7 PM
  • Dessert – Thursday, August 21 | 1-2 PM & 6-7 PM

Let’s get cooking with Julia Child recipes at the Muskegon Museum of Art. In partnership with the Culinary Institute of Michigan, we will be whipping up Julia’s famed recipes with live cooking demos throughout the summer

Julia Child’s Bon Appétit! A Delicious Cabaret (at The Playhouse for White Lake)

  • Evening Performances – July 11, 12 (Friday & Saturday) at 7:30 PM
  • Matinee Performances July 12, 13 (Saturday & Sunday) at 3:00 PM

The Playhouse at White Lake is excited to present Julia Child’s Bon Appétit! A Delicious Cabaret. Get ready for a feast of music and laughter in Bon Appétit!, a 20-minute comic opera by Lee Hoiby that serves up a deliciously witty tribute to the legendary Julia Child. This playful performance recreates two episodes of her iconic TV show, The French Chef, featuring her famous chocolate cake recipe, complete with Child’s signature humor and flair.

Super Saturday: Printmaking with Fruit

  • Saturday, July 12 | 11 AM – 2 PM

Unleash your inner artist at Super Saturday at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Inspired by Julia Child, we will be printmaking with fruit. Super Saturday is the second Saturday of every month. Enjoy free general admission* to the Museum’s galleries and a FREE kids STEAM activity. Each Super Saturday is inspired by a piece of art from the MMA permanent collection or a current exhibition.

Julia Child’s Better with Butter Class

  • Wednesday, July 23 – 3:30-4:30 PM | 5-6 PM
  • Wednesday, August 27 – 3:30-4:30 PM | 5-6 PM

Julia Child once said, “With enough butter, anything is good”. Learn how to make butter at the Muskegon Museum of Art with The Cheese Lady, Kathleen Fagan Riegler. Tickets to this event are $18 for the public and $15 for MMA members and include admission to Julia Child: A Recipe for Life prior to the class. 

Julia Child Happy Birthday Party & Happy Hour

  • Friday, August 15 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM

Let’s celebrate Julia Child’s birthday! Don your pearls and celebrate Julia’s birthday in style. Tour the exhibition with our docents, enjoy light bites and birthday cake, printmaking with food, and a bubbly toast. Ages 21+. Tickets are $23 for the public and $15 for MMA members. Advanced Registration Encouraged.

For more information about the exhibition and events, go to https://muskegonartmuseum.org/event/julia-child-a-recipe-for-life/

Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is a touring exhibition produced and managed by Flying Fish, developed in collaboration with the Napa Valley Museum, under rights granted by The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts and The Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, and generously supported by Oceania Cruises.

Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is locally presented by Mike & Kay Olthoff and sponsored by DTE Energy, Hines Corporation, Steve & Deb Olsen, Gary & Wendy Merkey, Patrick O’Leary & Karen Yamasaki, Jean Chin, Amy Tenny, Swanson Pickle, Fifth Third Bank, Bekins – TrevArrow, Straight Line Design, and WGVU Public Media.

For more information or questions, contact Kristina Broughton at [email protected] or call (231) 720-2574.

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