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Museum of Food and Drink

Located in DUMBO's Empire Stores, the Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) is a sensory exploration of culinary culture, featuring exhibitions curated by food scientists and culinary anthropologists.

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Museum of Food and Drink
www.mofad.org, og_image_www.mofad.org

Where is the Museum of Food and Drink located?

MOFAD is located at 55 Water Street in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, specifically on the 2nd floor of the Empire Stores building.

What are the hours for the museum?

The exhibition hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM.

What is the Museum of Food and Drink known for?

The museum is known for preserving and elevating the stories of food and drink. It features sensory journeys, such as the 'Flavor' exhibition curated by culinary anthropologists and food scientists, and aims to create cultural change toward a more equitable future.

How long does it take to visit?

MOFAD is designed as a compact museum experience that can be explored in under an hour.

What is the history of the museum?

Founded and chartered by Dave Arnold in 2005, the museum's first exhibit debuted in New York in August 2013. It previously operated a gallery space called MOFAD Lab in Williamsburg before reopening at its DUMBO location in February 2024.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Museum of Food and Drink, known as MOFAD, is located on the second floor of the Empire Stores building at 55 Water Street in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn. Founded and chartered by Dave Arnold in 2005, the institution evolved from an early concept into a tangible reality by 2011. It gained significant early momentum in 2013 when Arnold and Executive Director Peter Kim utilized a Kickstarter campaign to raise over $100,000 for the museum's debut exhibition. That inaugural New York exhibit, which opened in August 2013, showcased a massive 3,200-pound puffing machine, also referred to as a puff gun. Before settling in its current DUMBO location, the museum previously operated a 5,000-square-foot gallery space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, known as the MOFAD Lab. The museum reopened its doors to the public in February 2024 at its current site, positioning itself as a space that preserves and elevates the stories of food and drink. Visitors can currently experience the 'Flavor' exhibition, a sensory journey designed and curated by culinary anthropologists and food scientists. This exhibition aims to use the power of food to drive cultural change toward a more equitable future. MOFAD is designed as a compact experience, allowing guests to explore various artifacts, flavors, and stories in under an hour. The current exhibition is scheduled to remain open through June 28, 2026.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit for Thursday through Sunday between 12 PM and 6 PM.
  • Head to the second floor of the Empire Stores building to find the entrance.
  • Allow approximately one hour to complete the sensory journey.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring the DUMBO waterfront area.

Nearby context

MOFAD is situated within the historic Empire Stores building in DUMBO, Brooklyn. This area is characterized by its cobblestone streets and proximity to the East River waterfront, blending industrial architecture with modern culinary and art spaces.

Sources

Evidence and links