Exploring Conner Prairie’s New Museum Experience Center
FOOD: Science, Culture, and Cuisine Exhibit Stepping Up the Plate
If you’re an adventurous eater, a budding chef, a scientist, a history lover, or you have kids who simply want to touch everything, FOOD is the perfect reason to plan a summer visit to Fishers, just a little north of Indianapolis
Some of our favorite memories are tied to food, whether it’s a recipe passed down through family, the smell of something familiar cooking, or a meal shared with people we love. This summer, Conner Prairie’s newest limited-time exhibition invites visitors to explore the stories, traditions, science, and connections behind the food we eat.
FOOD: Science, Culture, and Cuisine is open now through September 13, 2026, inside the Museum Experience Center. Presented by Corteva Agriscience, the interactive traveling exhibition fills both the upper and lower galleries.
Explore the Story Behind Every Bite
My kids especially enjoyed trying out kitchen tools they had never seen in our own kitchen, along with a few I have not exactly been eager to let them operate at home. The exhibit gave them a chance to explore those tools in a hands-on way while learning how cooking methods and kitchen technology have changed over time.
We also loved discovering the history behind familiar traditions, including something as simple as raising a glass and making a toast during a meal. It turned everyday habits into stories and gave us plenty to talk about as we moved through the exhibit.
For children, food is instantly relatable. They may not arrive ready to discuss agriculture, technology, or global food systems, but they certainly have opinions about pizza toppings, favorite snacks, family recipes, and what belongs on the dinner table. From there, bigger conversations can develop around these themes
A Feast for All Five Senses
This exhibit was designed as a multi-sensory experience that uses sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound to bring food stories to life. Interactive multimedia elements encourage guests to test their knowledge, experiment with new ideas, and engage in ways that are both educational and fun.
Guests can taste some food items in the exhibit. For example, my kids were surprised when they tried a coriander seed, the seed from a cilantro plant, and were able to discover just how much the sense of smell is responsible for the sense of taste. And of course, their #1 favorite experience was tasting chocolate.
My favorite part of the exhibit was in the lower gallery where we enjoyed an immersive show called, Le Banquet. We were the guests at a long banquet table where we were served up a digital show of a Michelin Star meal. We were surrounded by the sights and sounds AND smells of the journey of our “meal”.
Would your family typically consume a menu of Jellied shellfish or cryoconcentrated tomato? At La Banquet, your eyes will be delighted by the dishes served up, your ears will rejoice in the sounds and your nose will relish the fragrances inspired by the menu. You’ll certainly leave hungry for more
The Museum Experience Center
The indoor location in the brand new Museum Experience Center makes FOOD a perfect addition to a summer itinerary at Conner Prairie. Guests can spend time in the galleries during the hottest part of the day, between outdoor activities, or whenever everyone is ready for an air-conditioned break.
FOOD: Science, Culture, and Cuisine is open through September 13, 2026, in the exhibition galleries inside Conner Prairie’s Museum Experience Center.
The limited-time exhibition is included with general admission or membership, so no separate exhibition ticket is required.
