Julia Child's kitchen

Julia Child's kitchen by Matthew Bisanz

Julia Child's Kitchen - Smithsonian

Julia Child's kitchen 2 by Matthew Bisanz

== Julia Child's Kitchen ==

File:Julia Child's kitchen.jpg

Julia Child's kitchen on display at the Smithsonian Institution

Julia Child's kitchen is a notable culinary space that belonged to the renowned American chef, author, and television personality Julia Child. The kitchen is famous for its unique design, functionality, and historical significance in the world of cooking and television.

Design and Layout

Julia Child's kitchen was designed by her husband, Paul Child, in 1961. The kitchen was located in their home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was specifically tailored to Julia's needs, featuring custom-built countertops that were higher than standard to accommodate her height of 6 feet 2 inches. The kitchen was equipped with a wide array of cooking tools, gadgets, and appliances, many of which were sourced from her travels in France.

Features

The kitchen is known for its practical and efficient layout, which includes:

• A large butcher block table in the center for food preparation.
• Pegboards on the walls for hanging pots, pans, and utensils, which were outlined to ensure each item was returned to its proper place.
• A Garland commercial range, which was a gift from her husband.
• A collection of copper pots and pans, many of which were purchased in Paris.

Historical Significance

Julia Child's kitchen gained fame through her television shows, particularly The French Chef, which aired from 1963 to 1973. The kitchen served as the backdrop for many of her cooking demonstrations, making it an iconic symbol of her influence on American cuisine.

Smithsonian Exhibit

In 2001, Julia Child donated her kitchen to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. The kitchen was carefully dismantled and reassembled in the museum, where it remains on display as part of the "Food: Transforming the American Table 1950-2000" exhibit. The exhibit showcases the kitchen in its original state, complete with Julia's personal touches and culinary tools.

Legacy

Julia Child's kitchen continues to inspire chefs and home cooks alike. It stands as a testament to her passion for cooking and her dedication to teaching others the art of French cuisine. The kitchen's design and functionality have influenced modern kitchen layouts and continue to be a point of reference for culinary enthusiasts.

Related Pages

• Julia Child
• The French Chef
• Paul Cushing Child
• Smithsonian Institution
• National Museum of American History
• French cuisine