‘The MAC’ opens Friday, April 18
Photo by Paul Franson
The new Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture — or “The MAC” — opens to the public with a toast on Friday, April 18, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the former Dean & DeLuca and Gary’s Marketplace building in south St. Helena.
A grand opening will take place later.
The new museum presents major exhibitions by iconic artists along with explorations of significant historical and cultural movements, including the world class original exhibitions for which the museum has gained international acclaim. It opens with “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life,” a traveling exhibition exploring the late culinary icon’s personal journey and influence on American cuisine.
Julia Child virtually created food TV and initiated today’s culinary culture. She and the late Bob Mondavi are probably the most beloved people in the valley; they often collaborated to popularize food and wine.
An experience that stimulates all the senses, the exhibition builds on the ideas explored in the Napa Valley Museum’s earlier exhibition, “France is a Feast: The Photographic Journey of Paul & Julia Child.”
This expanded successor dives deeper into the key ingredients of Julia’s personal journey—her insatiable curiosity, tenacious spirit and passion for teaching, which became part of the American culinary revolution, profoundly transforming American cuisine, food culture and broadcasting.
The large and impressive exhibit features many interactive exhibits. You can even play Julia on TV in her TV kitchen.
The exhibit was conceived by museum director and curator Laura Rafaty with Flying Fish Productions and has visited several important museums across the country, but this is its first presentation in California.
“Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” is presented under rights granted by The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts and The Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University and sponsored by the Kuo Family Fund.
The exhibit runs through March 8, 2026, in the Ron and Diane Disney Miller Gallery.
Also on display are the debut of Bay Area artist Naomie Kremer’s immersive video installation “Seer” and illustrator and writer John Donohue’s hand-drawn restaurant portraits in “All the Restaurants of Napa Valley,” a visual tribute to the region’s dining culture.
Photo by Paul Franson
The next exhibit opening in April 2026 will highlight three generations of Wyeths, perhaps American’s most popular painters.
The MAC also contains two stores:
The MAC Museum Store features exhibition merchandise along with books, gifts, home decor, furnishings and artworks for sale. The Store will include limited edition prints from “All the Restaurants” artist John Donohue, images from “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” and giclées of artwork by Lowell Herrero.
Artefact at The MAC is a selection of antiques, décor and original designs curated by Dave Allen of Artefact Design & Salvage. Allen, a “Finder of Objects,” built a reputation with design professionals and homeowners for offering interesting and unique items.
General admission to the MAC is $25 for adults, $15 for youth 6 to 17 and free for children 5 and under. Napa Valley Museum members receive 20% off.
The MAC will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed major holidays).
For more information, visit napavalleymuseum.org, call 707-944-0500 or email info@napavalleymuseum.org.
Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture, 607 St.d Helena Highway, St. Helena
The MAC Pack
Napa Valley Museum is also introducing a social club for culturally minded friends of the Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture. Separate from museum membership, the MAC Pack takes museum club membership to a new level, with special events and behind-the-scenes access to extraordinary exhibitions.
With Michelin-starred Press restaurant and its new cafe Under-Study as neighbors, plus the museum’s popular curated whisky, sake and cocktail tastings, the MAC Pack will create a social environment for culture enthusiasts.
The MAC Pack will be invited to exclusive art, culture and culinary experiences and enjoy premium access to exhibitions and events. The MAC Pack also enjoys discount admission at the MAC and NVM membership. Find out more at napavalleymuseum.org/themacpack or inquire about the benefits to info@napavalleymuseum.org.
