Julia Child at the Smithsonian

Join My Tour of a Celebrity's Kitchen

Julia Child shared her passions, philosophies, and food with friends, family, and TV fans for 45 years from a quaint kitchen in her Cambridge, Massachusetts home. In 2001, she donated her kitchen to the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.

Now, millions more can peek inside her culinary playground. We toured Julia Child's kitchen during a visit to the U.S. capital. There's no better way to get to know a celebrity chef than to explore the stove, pans, and sometimes quirky tools populating their personal domain.

13 Interesting Facts


• The blue and green color scheme was chosen by Julia's husband, Paul Child
in 1961.

• A plastic-covered Marimekko print tablecloth protects the wood of the kitchen table.

• Sixteen baking sheets were stored vertically in slots next to the dishwasher.


• Two 25-pound turkeys fit inside the oven.

• Oils and vinegars were kept close to the stove.

• Julia stored spices, tea, instant coffee, and syrups in a nearby cabinet.


• No fancy curtains, just simple blinds opened to a view of Irving Street treetops.

• The maple countertops were built two inches higher than in most kitchens to suit Julia's six-foot, two-inch height.

• The kitchen measures 14 x 20.


• Julia liked cats in her kitchen... on the fridge, in fields of asparagus, and next to pots.

• Julia's kitchen junk drawer held lots of surprises.

• Julia stored odds and ends of equipment, including her blow torches, in an pantry adjacent pantry.


• For more factoids and information about this exhibition, click here.

Planning a visit to Washington, D.C.?

Bon Appetit! Julia Child's Kitchen at the Smithsonian is located in the West End Gallery on the first floor of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. (Located on the National Mall at 14th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC.) The Museum is open every day of the year except for Dec. 25. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.

While it is not possible for visitors to walk through the kitchen, there are three viewports set into the actual doorways that led to other areas of the house. Visitors can view all corners of Julia Child's kitchen.

Related: Julia Child's Apron Memories. Linked at Thursdsay Thirteen

Photos: mastermaq, rehpien, JeffKubina, KevinH, AlbinoFlea, raka_lusi, RosaSay (Flickr)


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