Johnson & Wales University will again open the doors of the Culinary Arts Museum to the public for special tours as part of Rhode Island and America’s 250 commemoration. Tours will be held on July 15 and 16 and will include a tasting element for attendees. Typically, the Museum is reserved for research and student use.  

Four tours will be held in total across the two days, each starting at 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m. Visitors will be guided through the museum’s fascinating exhibits that showcase the history of culinary arts education, how culture intersects with food, and the trailblazing people who led innovations in the industry. As part of the special event, museum staff has curated two special exhibits, “Recipes for Shared Community: Rhode Island in Action,” inspired by the RI 250 commission’s celebration of historical events centered on freedom, equality, and independence throughout the country’s history. Additionally, the existing White House Vignettes exhibit has been expanded to show the history of our nation through presidential food ephemera and archival documents. At the conclusion of the tour, guests will receive a sweet treat and chilled beverage. 

“The JWU Culinary Arts Museum is a treasure trove of unique, interesting, and historical pieces that tell the story of food’s role across history,” said Erin Williams, the museum’s collections manager. “We are so excited to share a piece of that with the public. Our special 250 exhibits bring together pieces from our archives that are culturally significant to the celebration, including community cookbooks showcasing the organizations and people of Rhode Island who made an impact on our cultural history and artifacts that show a unique perspective of presidential history.”  

Tickets to the tours cost $24 per person and must be purchased in advance online. Space is limited and high interest is anticipated.  

Learn more about the RI 250 commission.   

About JWU 

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 graduate, undergraduate and online students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina. An innovative educational leader, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, food innovation, hospitality, nutrition, and health and wellness. It also offers undergraduate programs in culinary arts, dietetics and design. JWU’s unique model provides students with the personalized attention, academic expertise and industry connections that inspire professional success and personal growth. The time students spend at JWU is nothing short of transformative, as demonstrated by career outcomes, expected earnings and economic mobility rankings. The university’s impact is global, with alumni in 125 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit jwu.edu.