From Stone to Spoon: an artistic and sensory journey through the evolution of food at Rome’s Mattatoio

Stefano Tosoni
Jul 12
2 min read

From July 14 to August 3, 2025, the Mattatoio in Rome will host a unique exhibition titled "From Stone to Spoon – A Culinary Evolution", offering an immersive experience that blends history, art, science, and food culture. The opening, with free admission, will take place on Monday, July 14 at 6:30 PM.

Conceived and produced by Wooding Wild Food Lab, in collaboration with Taboe and Eat Your Habitat, the installation was created in dialogue with the FAO World Food Forum, celebrating the values of family farming, food sustainability, and nutritional awareness through the language of contemporary art.

A visual narrative of humanity through food

At the heart of the exhibition is a powerful site-specific installation: a set dining table that takes visitors on a symbolic journey from the Paleolithic era to the present day. Each plate represents a historical period, accompanied by data on food waste, energy use in production and preparation, and environmental impact. A scientific study also illustrates what a truly sustainable and healthy modern meal could look like—one based on family farming practices and environmental respect.

Bilingual captions and QR codes offer accessible multimedia content, making the experience educational and engaging for a wide-ranging audience: students, adults, food culture enthusiasts, and professionals alike.

A critical reflection on our relationship with food

"From Stone to Spoon" invites visitors to reflect on how our relationship with food has changed over time. It explores how shifts in food production and consumption have impacted both physical and mental health. In a world where food is often treated as a commodity, the exhibition proposes a different narrative—one rooted in seasonality, biodiversity, and mindful choices.

Through an informative and visually compelling pathway, visitors are encouraged to consider the deeper roots of many modern eating disorders, gaining insight into how a more authentic, balanced, and sustainable approach to eating can be reclaimed.