As well as France I have also been to Washington DC, where I ate extraordinary well – more of that later – but one of the highlights of the trip was seeing Julia Child’s kitchen which has been preserved in the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History.
These are not my best photos, the kitchen was dimly lit and behind glass – a double whammy of a photographic challenge.
Julia Child’s Kitchen – Plan
Julia’s kitchen was designed for her by her husband Paul in 1961.
Beautiful aubergine Kitchen Aid in the corner with a food processor and I think a Vitamix blender behind. Also you can see her personalised measuring cups with engraved Js on them.
Julia donated her kitchen to the Smithsonian when she moved back to her native California in 2001.
Butcher’s block with food processor and blender, note the enormous pestle and mortar and meat tenderiser underneath!
She cooked in this kitchen for 40 years!
Juicer, knives mounted on wall and kitchen sink. Dishwasher was below the juicer.
She filmed 3 television series in the kitchen over 7 years.
Looking across to the range, oven just visible on the left. Beautiful copper pans!
As well as the kitchen there were three pantries!
Another view of the range with French Marmite pot on it.
The Child family bought the second hand range for $429 in 1956
Drawers & cupboards next to the range
Julia’s cookbooks, with video tapes (of her shows?) just visible underneath
Looking across the kitchen table
Another view of the kitchen sink
Another view of the small appliance corner – cutlery ready to be used in jars.
Looking across the kitchen table to the sink, time is frozen at 4pm so time for tea!
Scales
Close up of above the range
I am struck by the sheer amount of “stuff” that is out, I am sure that constant cleaning was needed, as it had to be a dirt trap and must have got coated with grease – especially the utensils hanging above the range?
I really recommend a visit to Julia Child’s kitchen if you are in Washington.
Admission is free, and you can find out more about Julia’s kitchen here.
National Museum of American History
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C., 20001
There is the Stars & Stripes Cafe in the basement, serving American Food (BBQ, burgers, pizza and desserts) which looked very reasonable, but was busy so we did not eat there.  But I do have to share some photos of the collection of vintage lunchboxes that were on display.
For those intrigued by the Flying Nun, I found a clip on YouTube
Susie @ Fold in the Flour
Wow – I think if I went I’d be awestruck – a little like a kid in a candy store! The photo’s have come out pretty well despite your shooting conditions. A really interesting snapshot – thank you for showing it!
Helen
It was really really interesting. I so want to go back as barely went to any museums.
Jayne
Loved this, thanks for sharing! I would love to see Julia Child’s kitchen. She sure did have a lot of stuff! I loved those lunch boxes- I used to take a Happy Days one to school!
Charlene
Wow, looks like you had an amazing trip!
Choclette
How fabulous to have visited Julia’s kitchen Helen. My goodness I am envious of her pantries – I have always dreamt of having one, but three!!! Your photos are pretty good considering the conditions, you can certainly see that the kitchen is very well kitted out.
Helen
It was amazing. Just wish we had not had a small child with us and we could have seen more…
Laura@howtocookgoodfood
What a kitchen, with everything I could possibly want to own. Such a great experience, the trip must have been so good. Having had an open plan kitchen in the oast I can safely say never again. Cupboards are essential or at least a very regular cleaner!
Helen
I cannot stand having stuff out – utensil pots give me the shivers…
Jude A Trifle Rushed
How did I miss this, as someone who has a cluttered kitchen due to limited storage I think she must have had an army of cleaners, I rarely get on top of mine. I’m in the midst of planning a new kitchen with oodles of cupboards and far less clutter!
Your trip sounds wonderful, what a great break
Jude x
Helen
It was such fun. I really recommend Washington.