Cafe offers flavors of science and nature

The collections of the National Natural History Museum of China are finding a new way to engage the public — through food.

Nature Cafe, a new dining concept jointly launched by the National Natural History Museum of China and Moscow Restaurant Bakery, officially opened on Aug 20 following a two-week trial. The opening ceremony, themed "Taste of Nature, A New Culinary Journey", was held at the Beijing museum's outdoor plaza.

The event featured Russian song performances by a Russian troupe from the Beijing Exhibition Center, as well as a symbolic "cutting of the bread" ceremony, marking the beginning of the partnership. Visitors were also invited to sample the cafe's offerings and participate in a lucky draw.

The cafe offers a range of science-themed creations, including a Cambrian ammonite-shaped bread, "Give Me Five" bear-paw bread, a beef burger, fossil-trace puzzle cookies, a "stratigraphic archaeology" cake, and a dinosaur-egg-shaped mochi. The cafe's interior design, food names and decorations incorporate natural science elements, creating an immersive experience that combines education with everyday dining.

Both partners have more than seven decades of history. The museum has accumulated extensive collections and expertise in paleontology, zoology, botany, and geology, while Moscow Restaurant Bakery has developed expertise in food research, product development, and catering operations.

The partnership goes beyond creating novelty foods. By integrating natural science into a familiar, high-frequency setting, Nature Cafe aims to make science more accessible and bring museum culture beyond exhibition halls to a broader public.

The partners said they will continue drawing on the museum's collections to develop new products and experiences, exploring innovative ways to integrate science, culture and consumption into daily life and contributing to Beijing's efforts to build a "city of museums".