Take a journey around the world and through time. Stroll through an ancient market, cook a virtual meal, peek inside the dining rooms of illustrious individuals—and consider some of the most challenging issues of our time. 

This exhibition is curated by Eleanor J. Sterling, director of the Museum's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, and Mark A. Norell, chair of the Division of Paleontology. 

Over the centuries, humans have shaped the crops we grow and the animals we raise to suit our needs, creating countless varieties adapted to local conditions.

The food on the shelves of your local store may have traveled across an ocean to reach you—or just across the road. 

Roasting, broiling, steaming, baking, boiling—people in nearly every culture around the world cook. It’s one of humankind’s most distinctive traits. 

The human mouth can sense at least five tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami (savory). Find out more—and join us for tastings of seasonal foods—in the exhibition kitchen.

If you could sit down for a meal in any part of the world, at any time in history, what meal would you choose? 

Food does more than keep us alive. It connects us to the land, to cultural heritage, and to each other. 

Take a look ahead at how we will grow and eat in the future to meet the demands of an expanding population.

Find out about related programs, from Global Weekends festivals to our Adventures in the Global Kitchen tastings series to adult courses.

Learn more about growing, transporting, cooking, tasting, eating, and the future of food by visiting the Food Science Topic and other recommended resources.