Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Arizona Science Center will host the traveling exhibition Julia Child: A Recipe for Life through Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026.
The exhibition, created and toured by Flying Fish, explores Julia Child’s life and influence on American culinary culture through immersive experiences, according to a press release. It highlights her curiosity, experimentation and approach to cooking as a form of applied science.
“Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is more than an exhibition about cooking—it is a story about science, experimentation, and evidence-based learning,” said Tammy Stewart, Hazel A. Hare president and CEO of Arizona Science Center. “Julia Child approached cooking much like a scientist approaches research, relying on scientific precision to make recipes reliable for a broad audience. Her passion and curiosity defined an era of cooking, and we’re proud to tell her story while highlighting her scientific contributions.”
The exhibition highlights key moments in Julia Child’s life, along with the people who influenced her career, offering a broader perspective beyond her work as a television personality and author.
“The Foundation, which Julia created to carry on her contributions, marvels at how Julia’s example still inspires individuals to learn to cook and pursue their dreams as well as make our food more delicious and sustainable. As one of the most comprehensive portraits of Julia’s story and legacy, Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is not to be missed,” said Todd Schulkin, executive director of the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts.
Visitors will be able to engage with interactive components, including a recreation of The French Chef television studio, where guests can operate a vintage video camera and participate in hands-on activities. The exhibition also includes photographs by Paul Child, personal correspondence and kitchen tools.
“Our mission was to celebrate Julia Child’s profound impact on American culture and offer an immersive and enlightening visitor experience. Together with the Napa Valley Museum, we’ve crafted a journey that pays tribute to Julia’s culinary prowess and honors her tenacity and unwavering spirit,” said Jay Brown, principal and managing director of Flying Fish.
The exhibition was developed in collaboration with the Napa Valley Museum and is presented under rights granted by the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts and the Schlesinger Library at the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University. Local support is provided by Bashas’ Family of Stores.
“When we first presented a Julia Child exhibition at our Museum, we were surprised at her cross-generational appeal. So many visitors feel a personal connection to Julia, often because they watched her shows or cooked with her recipes alongside a beloved mother, grandmother, or partner,” said Laura Rafaty, executive director of Napa Valley Museum. “Couples were moved by the stories of her life with Paul, women were inspired by her accomplishments as a trailblazer, and kids were delighted by videos of her sillier moments. There truly is something for everyone in this exhibition.”
