Culinary Curiosity

Culinary Curiosity

Discover Culinary Curiosity 

October 4, 2019 - January 5, 2020 | First Floor 

Discover the delectable offerings of Culinary Curiosity, a collaborative exhibition that celebrates the preparing and sharing of food across time and cultures. This extraordinary collection is on public view for the first time outside its original home at Chicago’s Kendall College. The more than 250 rare cooking tools, utensils and gadgets are on display across four area libraries.

At Arlington Heights Memorial Library, view more than 50 culinary artifacts and two historic stoves. Marvel at the technical innovations in the world of food and cooking implements. Themes include Hearth to Cookstove, A Tasting Menu, Appetizers and Amuse-Bouches.

Continue your exploration of Culinary Curiosity at Aurora Public Library, Gail Borden Public Library District and Schaumburg Township District Library. Each library features a uniquely-themed part of the collection. Visit some or all of the library exhibits and collect stamps at each location for a chance to win culinary-themed prizes.

Culinary Curiosity, made possible by the Kendall College Trust, is presented with the generous support of the Friends of the Library at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Items in the exhibit are from the personal collection of food industry veterans Mel and Janet Mickevic.

  • passport layout

    Pick up a Passport and Earn

    Visit two- or all- Culinary Curiosity library exhibits, get a stamp at each stop and earn prizes. Collect two stamps and receive a gift at any participating library – show your passport at the Checkout desk to redeem your prize. Once you have visited all four participating libraries, drop your completed passport at the Checkout desk to be entered to win a grand prize. Winners will be announced by January 10, 2020. Culinary Curiosity passports are available at each participating library. Ask staff at any library if you need assistance.



  • Docent guiding customers

    Join a Guided Tour

    Learn more about the exhibit by joining a tour guided by one of our volunteer docents. Tours meet by the Universal Stove near the elevators by the Marketplace on the first floor. Each tour is approximately 20 minutes long. Look for the docent in red apron to get your tour started. For all ages. 

     



  • Contribute to a Community Cookbook

    The Culinary Curiosity libraries are compiling a community cookbook. At Arlington Heights Memorial Library, share paper copies of your favorite recipes at the Checkout desk or share your recipes online anytime at CulinaryCuriosityToursLibraries.com.