Denmark to explore whether gastronomy can be recognized as an art form

Denmark's culture ministry said it will study whether gastronomy can be formally recognized as an art form, a proposal supported by chef Rasmus Munk and some of the country's Michelin-starred restaurants.

Denmark's culture ministry has announced it will explore whether gastronomy can be formally recognized as an art form. The proposal has prompted discussion among chefs and cultural officials. Chef Rasmus Munk, known for his immersive Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen, has been a prominent supporter. Denmark's culinary prominence grew after the New Nordic movement led by René Redzepi's Noma in 2003. Key details: - The culture ministry said in January it will examine whether cooking at its highest level can be classified as an art form. - Chef Rasmus Munk's Alchemist combines performance, projections and food; the restaurant was named the world's fifth-best in 2025 and holds two Michelin stars. - Denmark's New Nordic movement emphasized foraging, fermenting and seasonal ingredients and helped raise the country's culinary profile starting in 2003. - Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt announced the exploration, and officials said it is not yet clear how the March 24 general election might affect the plans. Summary: If realized, formal recognition could place high-level gastronomy alongside other cultural arts in law. Officials have said the ministry will study the idea; any timeline and further details remain undetermined.