Julia Child's husband, Paul, designed this working kitchen for her in 1961. She used this room to cook for her family, friends and co-workers. The kitchen was also a set for her three enormously popular TV shows.
The thing I loved most about Julia Child's kitchen was that she utilized every space possible. It is not very big, however she had everything a good chef would need in it. I am sure Julia could have chosen a bigger and more elaborate kitchen. She went with a kitchen that was practical and comforting. You could tell this was a place for family. Julia not only kept all her professional equipment in this room, but she also had small simple gadgets that every home cook has.
Julia called her kitchen "the beating heart of the household". That was a perfect summary of this famous room. This wall plaque said it all.
I loved how there was a space for everything in Julia Child's kitchen. She utilized this blue pegboard for over 45 pots and kitchen gadgets. They were all outlined in black or red marker so that they could be placed back exactly where they belonged.
In 2001, Julia Child decided to donate her kitchen which came from her Cambridge Massachusetts home to the museum. Through this kitchen, you can see her life as a family cook, culinary professional and television star. If you are ever in Washington, DC, this is one exhibit, you don't want to miss. I know I am hoping that things will get back to normal soon and I can visit again in the near future.
Thank you Julia, for giving us so much in American food culture! And happy birthday!
Loved this!! How interesting...great pictures! I'll have to visit next time I'm in DC.
Denise @ Creative Kitchen
I luv that peg wall. I think I need one of those.
Man, it's been years since I've been to the Smithsonian.
I just LOVE that pegboard....I could definitely use that!
Definitely, one of my favorite exhibits there! I've seen it a couple of times and it just "feels" likes she's right there.
I love DC! Sounds like a great trip!
I can't tell you how wonderful your pictures and descriptions are. When we were in DC a few years ago, the Smithsonian was being renovated. I was so disappointed. Your writing is amazing!
Ive never been to DC but if ever I get a chance to come, I know exactly where I am going first!
I love the pegboard....I had one in a previous home and it is so convenient. Hopefully when we buy our new home I can have a kitchen I love....and functional is perfect...that is all a person needs!
I would so love to see Julia's kitchen. I still watch her shows on Cooking Channel and enjoy them just as much now as I did 30 years ago.
Thank you for sharing this. If you read books about her, the kitchen she used in France to write her first cookbooks were even teenier and when she moved back to the States, it was hard for her to get decent knives. It's amazing what she was able to accomplish with so little!
Now following you. Not sure why I wasn't before. This is really amazing. We watched the footage of this on the movie Julie and Julia of this and what struck me was it's a cook's kitchen. It's not fancy or all sparkly. It's perfect for someone who spends tons of time in their kitchen and wants everything at the ready. Such a cool thing to do. So envious you got to see it in person.
I would love to see Julia's kitchen one day. I used to watch her all the time on TV. Thanks for sharing all the photos from your visit.
oh what a fun trip! I bet that was so fun to see in person!
So happy to see these pictures ... we went to DC over Spring Break and this was top on my list. Sadly the exhibit was closed for renovation!! Argh. Guess I'll have to go back.
I've never been to the Smithsonian but would love to go. I loved watching Julia on tv as a child, and would love to see this kitchen.
It really was a great experience!