Hungry for Culture? Check out These European Food Museums

May 18th is International Museum Day, a day to raise awareness on the importance of these revered temples of knowledge to society. In order to appropriately honor the holiday, travelers can certainly choose to embrace museums dedicated to art and history.

But they can also take a bite out of the enticing and often mouthwatering museums dedicated entirely to some of our favorite things in the world: food and beverage. Europe in particular has a fair complement of food museums, with spaces dedicated to celebrating some very specific foodstuffs, from paprika to fries. So, bring a hearty appetite and check out these delightful food museums in Europe.

While there are several food museums around Parma, Italy, cheese fans usually flock to the Museo del Parmigiano Reggiano, located in the town of Soragna. The classic and beloved Parmigiano Reggiano cheese boasts ancient origins. Indeed, even in Ancient Roman times the cheese from Parma was highly praised. The museum compiles material on this sharp and flavorsome cheese from all of the five provinces where it is produced. Here you will learn all you need to know about the history and production of this classic Italian staple.

When in Bruges — or Belgium for that matter — it is hard not to succumb to the power of the Belgian fry. Luckily for fanatics, Bruges has a museum dedicated to fries. Located in the beautiful Saaihalle building in Bruges, the Friet Museum is the first and only museum in the world dedicated to potato fries. Not only can you learn more about the interesting history of fries but also how the popular snack and side came to be one of the most beloved Belgian foodie traditions.

Spritmuseum — Stockholm, Sweden

Located on the island of Djurgården in Stockholm is the Spritmuseum…that is, the Swedish Museum of Spirits. This institution educates visitors on the history of Swedish alcoholic beverages — such as aquavit and punsch — as well as Swedish drinking culture. Most visitors to the Spritmuseum head first to “Sweden: Spirits of a Nation” to take a look at the history of Swedish liquor. A permanent display at the museum, the exhibit features a fascinating examination of Swedish vodka and wine making while also looking into societal aspects of alcohol consumption, such as drinking songs.

Meanwhile, revolving exhibitions at the museum cover plenty of alcohol-related topics, including art inspired by Absolut Vodka and a deep dive into the Swedish prohibition movement of the 1920s. The museum also offers great tasting trays of various Swedish drinks at its stately restaurant and bar.
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Chocolate Museum — Cologne, Germany

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne explores the history and cultural impact of chocolate while also letting visitors partake in candy tasting sessions. All tours begin at the model of a cocoa tree, where you will learn all about cocoa farming and follow the journey of a bean from its harvest to the chocolate factory floor.

Artifacts housed at the museum further detail the 5,000-year history of cocoa. Alongside statues and relics from Mesoamerica, the museum also features a variety of objects from 16th and 17th century Europe that tell how chocolate became the world’s favorite sweet treat. Tasting sessions at the museum allow visitors to play master chocolatiers for a day. In addition to getting to taste real cocoa beans, those who sign up for the tasting sessions also get to sample exotic varieties of artisanal chocolate.

Museum of Cider — Hereford, England

Hereford’s Museum of Cider, in England, seeks to preserve the historic legacy of cider making in the English countryside. Of course, this cider may be a bit more potent than the stuff we get in the U.S. around harvest time each year. The Museum of Cider in Hereford primarily focuses on the history and production of alcoholic cider — what Americans call “hard cider.” The exhibits detail traditional cider-making methods, including the milling and pressing of apples and the fermentation process that produces alcoholic cider.

Located in a 19th-century cider factory, the museum makes history come alive with tours and displays of traditional cider making equipment. Among the most popular artifacts on display you will find a traditional cider press that demonstrates how cider was made in the 17th century. Another noteworthy exhibit is a beautiful collection of glassware that shows the social evolution of cider from a luxury drink that was strictly reserved for the aristocracy to a more accessible beverage that could be enjoyed by everyone. Before heading out, remember to go downstairs to the museum’s champagne cider cellars, home to over 10,000 bottles of cider.

Alkmaar Cheese Museum — Alkmaar, The Netherlands

The power of cheese is on full display at the Alkmaar Kaasmarkt Cheese Museum, the Netherlands‘ premier food museum. Located next to the city’s centuries-old cheese market, this place introduces visitors to the importance of cheese in Dutch history and culture. The museum’s key exhibit, “From Cow to Cheese,” illustrates the lengthy process of making artisanal Dutch cheese and how various aging processes can give different cheeses an even more distinctive taste.

Also of note is an entire gallery of cheese-related art, with some pieces dating back to the 1600s. The museum also exhibits a variety of historical items, such as old-fashioned advertisements and traditional machinery and apparatuses used in the production of cheese. Visitors with kids will particularly enjoy the museum’s fun scavenger hunt and interactive games sprinkled throughout the historic building.

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Gingerbread Museum — Toruń, Poland

Pure-hearted whimsy and imagination await visitors to the Gingerbread Museum in Toruń, a city in Poland that has been renowned for its gingerbread creations for nearly a millennium. Situated in the heart of the beautiful medieval portion of Toruń, the Gingerbread Museum is located in a 19th-century gingerbread factory and sports three floors dedicated to this sweet treat.

Tours will introduce you to the various types of gingerbread as well as its production process. By far the biggest draw at this museum is its celebrated gingerbread-making workshops. These events begin with workers dressed in traditional Polish medieval garb demonstrating how gingerbread was made in the Middle Ages. Of course, guests can then try their hand at baking their own gingerbread creations with their choice of spices, icing, and other decorations.

FAQs:

Q: What are the operating hours for these museums?
A: Operating hours vary by museum and season. It’s best to check each museum’s official website for the most up-to-date information on opening times.

Q: Are there any special discounts available for students or seniors?
A: Many museums offer discounts for students, seniors, and children. Check the specific museum’s website or contact them directly to inquire about available discounts.

Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance?
A: It’s recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or for special events and workshops. Check each museum’s website for ticket booking options.

Q: Are the museums wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility varies by museum. Most modern museums strive to be accessible, but it’s best to check directly with the museum or visit their website for detailed accessibility information.

Q: Can I participate in tastings and workshops at the food museums?
A: Yes, many food museums offer tastings and workshops. Details, availability, and booking procedures can be found on the respective museum’s website.

Q: Are there guided tours available at these museums?
A: Many of the food museums offer guided tours. It’s advisable to check in advance whether tours are available, if they need to be booked separately, and if they are available in your preferred language.

Q: Is there parking available at these museums?
A: Parking availability varies by location. Urban museums might have limited parking, while those in rural areas might offer more. Check the museum’s website or contact them directly for parking information.

Do you know any other unmissable food museum to visit while in Europe? Let us know in our comments section below!