Move over Picasso, the next modern masterpiece might not be in a museum’s gallery, but in its restaurant. More and more museums are investing in five-star dining as a way to get additional revenue, so don’t miss these museum restaurants.
At the Denver Art Museum, art inspires the cuisine. The restaurant, called Palettes, has a fixed-price menu influenced by major exhibits. There have been meals inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, Yves St. Laurent, and Van Gogh, among others.
When a museum is dedicated to one artist, it’s no surprise that you’ll feel his influence, even in the restaurant. At Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, the Collections Café houses the artist’s work and his crazy accordion collection. The menu is inspired by the artist’s travels through the Northwest, with locally sourced ingredients, plus beer and wine from Washington and Oregon.
Food is in the spotlight at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Every month, a different guest chef adds two new dishes to the small-plate menu at the on-site restaurant.
For something different, check out the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Their café is known for having great food, all of which is influenced by native traditions.
For more information, visit the museum archives.
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