The Museum of Food and Drink, or MOFAD, is one of Williamsburg’s most popular attractions, and once you visit, it’s not hard to see why.
For those living in Brooklyn or just staying a while in one of the many Williamsburg apartments, this museum is a great place to spend the day soaking in the various cuisines of the world.
More about the Museum
David Arnold first conceptualized the museum in 2005 as a way to combine his passions for food and invention. Six years later, a fundraiser was held as the first effort to get MOFAD off the ground.
In 2013, the museum’s Kickstarter campaign set a record by garnering over $100,000 from over 800 backers, more than any other museum had earned on the website. This accomplishment led to a mobile movement in the form of a cereal puffing gun from the 1930s.
MOFAD toured around the city with this exhibit, which they called BOOM! The Puffing Gun and the Rise of Cereal, bringing live demonstrations and cereal history to more than 10,000 people.
The following year brought even more mobile success, as BOOM! continued to flourish and allowed the museum to hold more events, such as roundtable debates on topics like GMOs and soda bans. These events only extended the popularity of the idea.
Finally, 2015 saw a permanent location for MOFAD. Thanks to Infiniti, the museum’s first major sponsor, MOFAD Lab opened in Williamsburg and premiered the exhibit Flavor: Making It and Faking It. The 5,000-square-foot lab continues to be a favorite spot for New York locals and tourists alike, partly because of its convenient location close to many Williamsburg apartments.
Sense It for Yourself
The Museum of Food and Drink is unique in its interactivity. Typical museums mainly offer things to see, but at MOFAD, visitors are invited to use all of their senses. MOFAD aims to educate people about food and challenge the traditional ideas surrounding it.
Exhibits are always rotating, but you can never go wrong no matter what is happening during your visit. Their current display is Chow: Making the Chinese American Restaurant. Patrons can observe the changes in Chinese-American menus over the last century, enjoy a tasting, and, on select Sundays, watch a workshop about MOFAD Lab’s research. This exhibit will be active until March 31, 2019.
MOFAD Lab is located at 62 Bayard Street in Brooklyn, just a short trip from Williamsburg apartments. They are open from noon to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets for adults are $14, while certain groups like youth, students, and military are subject to a discount. Your payment includes a complimentary tasting and unlimited fortune cookies!
The Museum of Food and Drink is without a doubt one of the most interactive, unique, and family-friendly attractions in Brooklyn. It’s conveniently located right in the heart of the city, moments from Domino Park, so you’re never far from Williamsburg apartments, shopping, and sights.