October 18, 2024 – August 15, 2025
Test Kitchen: A Museum Project
On now
Exhibition Hall. 3rd Floor
The Gardiner is currently undergoing a full-scale reimagining of our ground floor, a major transformation that includes the re-installation of a significant part the collection. Inspired by the metaphor of the test kitchen as a space of experimentation, collaboration, and participation in the museum, Test Kitchen: A Museum Project is part exhibition, part workshop, and part ideas generator.
As we reimagine our collections galleries, we’re asking ourselves how we can better explore ceramics of the past and present and tell new stories. Test Kitchen opens up this process, which usually happens behind closed doors, making museum work more transparent and inviting visitors to collaborate through a series of hands-on activities. Throughout, visitors are encouraged to observe closely, make, discuss, and offer feedback while exploring the nature of museum work.
Upcoming Programs
Join us for special exhibition programs including talks, tours, and more!

Family Day
Every Sunday
11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Test Kitchen: Free Wednesday Night
Multiple Dates
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

From the Ground Up: Test Kitchen Tour & Community Dialogue
Mar 27 2025 @ 6:00 pm

Slow Art Day: Test Kitchen
Apr 5 2025 @ 10:00 am

Test Kitchen Tour & Object Handling
Apr 29 2025 @ 6:00 pm
Past Programs

Virtual Lecture: Radical Dreaming / Sueño radical
Nov 21 2024 @ 12:00 pm

From the Ground Up: Test Kitchen Tour & Community Dialogue
Nov 21 2024 @ 6:00 pm

Test Kitchen Highlight Tour & Herbal Tea Blending Workshop
Dec 3 2024 @ 6:00 pm

Test Kitchen Tour & Object Handling
Jan 28 2025 @ 6:00 pm
