Come for the Exhibits, Stay for the Experience

How museums are redefining the visit with premier shopping and dining

From dreamscape impressionism to vibrant contemporary renderings, art is what brings us to the museum. But once we’re there, we like to linger on such creative grounds—perusing the shop for the statement gift or, at the restaurant, raising a glass over thoughtful, composed dishes. Museums nationwide are understanding the draw, cultivating memorable, meaningful moments across shopping and dining for visitors to extend the arts.

 

For shopping…

 

MoMA Design Store

MoMA

New York, New York

 

New York’s MoMA has been an international trailblazer of the arts since its 1929 opening, and aesthetes were just as excited for its retail storefront to open in 1930. While it began as a bookstore, its retail offerings have evolved with the museum, including its latest unveiling last year—a renovation of its Soho location, featuring rotating and interactive displays in the reimagined front-of-store area.

Today, the store features far more than books, including new releases of home decor, fashion, accessories, and tech, all driven by the store’s mission of democratizing good design. Check out their website for their full inventory, which includes favorites like Frank Kerdil’s Mondri Vase and their MoMA Artist Quote Totes.

 

The Bookstore

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Seattle, Washington

 

Chihuly Garden and Glass celebrates the artistry of Dale Chihuly, inviting guests into the whimsical, often large-scale talents of the Tacoma native. The Bookstore features publications and objects centered on Chihuly, along with curated works from artisans across the Pacific Northwest. Peruse books, studio edition glass, and fine art prints, both in-person and online—and if you are onsite, do take note of the store’s vibrant red floor, original bumper-car flooring from the site’s previous Fun Forest amusement park.

 

The Shop

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Winter Park, Florida

 

This museum, located in Orlando’s bustling Winter Park, houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany—most notably, his famed art glass. The museum shop features exclusive items inspired by these works, including jewelry, glass bowls, and vases. One such favorite: miniature Tiffany lamp reproductions, meant to display or to hang as ornaments. Carefully packaged in a small Tiffany Studios-inspired wooden crate, each one is ready for gifting, year-round.

 

For dining…

 

Folio

The Athenaeum

Boston, Massachusetts

 

Situated within the Boston Athenaeum in Beacon Hill, one of the nation’s oldest independent libraries, Folio takes inspiration from the library’s rich cultural and literary themes. European café elegance and charm help to create an engaging space for artists and thinkers from around the globe, who gather daily for shared plates and cocktails. Don’t miss the Athena’s Ambrosia, a signature drink with gin, basil, and lavender.

 

Marisol

MCA

Chicago, Illinois

 

Resting on the first floor of Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, this restaurant reflects a holistic dedication to the arts, including its name (after legendary Venezuelan-American artist Marisol). Works from British artist Chris Ofili adorn the space, including the private dining room’s vibrant wall painting. The artistry carries over into the cuisine: James Beard Award–winning chef Jason Hammel helms the menu, a colorful ode to organic and local ingredients, with a focus on Midwest farms.

 

Cardamom

Walker Art Center

Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Mediterranean influences stemming from North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Middle East inform the menu at this lobby level restaurant, located within Walker Art Center. Visit for flavorful brunch dishes like cardamom pistachio French toast, or at dinner, hearty lamb shank with turmeric rice. Bring friends to enjoy the shared plates, and to share a view of the art— diners can see Coosje van Bruggen’s and Claes Oldenburg’ Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture from the dining room, and Walker Art Center periodically installs art in the restaurant.

 

Le Jardinier

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Houston, Texas

 

Michelin-starred chef Alain Verzeroli and global hospitality group The Bastion Collection opened this restaurant within the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where the team serves a menu spotlighting peak vegetables and produce (followed by whimsical desserts like the Butterfly, with yuzu mousse, raspberry compote and pistachio sable). The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the museum’s Isamu Noguchi–designed Cullen Sculpture Garden—which is also in sight during warmer months, when the restaurant’s patio welcomes diners. Enjoy the museum’s displayed works, then see if you can find resemblance across the menu—for the restaurant’s Culinary Canvas initiative, the chef team creates dishes inspired by the museum’s exhibits.

 

Want even more One Adventures? Read our other issues: Issue 01Issue 02Issue 03Issue 04Issue 05Issue 06; Issue 07; Issue 08; Issue 09Issue 10Issue 11; Issue 12


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