The Museum of BBQ: A Celebration of America’s Culinary Heritage
Kansas City, Missouri, a city famous for its thick, sweet-and-spicy barbecue sauce and burnt ends, is set to become home to the world’s first museum dedicated to barbecue. Scheduled to open in the spring of 2025, the Museum of BBQ will celebrate America’s longstanding love affair with fire- and smoke-kissed meat.
The museum is the brainchild of Jonathan Bender, a food writer and barbecue judge, and Alex Pope, a chef who owns a whole animal butcher shop. Together, they aim to create a space where visitors can explore the rich history and diverse flavors of barbecue.
Upon entering the museum, visitors will be greeted with two distinct “storytelling trails” spanning 4,223 square feet. The first trail will delve into the different components of barbecue, from meat and rubs to spices, sauces, wood, fire, and smoke. Guests will learn how these elements come together to create the mouthwatering dishes that barbecue enthusiasts know and love.
The second trail will explore the unique barbecue traditions of four main regions in America—the Carolinas, Texas, Memphis, and Kansas City. Each region has its own distinct style and flavors, showcasing the diverse culinary heritage of barbecue in the United States.
For younger visitors, there will be a playful area designed to look like a giant crock of barbecued beans, complete with bean-themed illustrations and puns. This interactive space is meant to engage children and adults alike in the shared experience of barbecue.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum will feature a gift shop where visitors can purchase rubs, sauces, aprons, shirts, hats, and other barbecue-themed items to take home as souvenirs.
Located in Kansas City’s Crown Center shopping and entertainment district, the Museum of BBQ will be in close proximity to other popular attractions such as the National WWI Museum and Memorial, the Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium, and the Legoland Discovery Center.
Before the museum officially opens its doors in 2025, visitors can get a sneak peek at a miniature replica of the new venue near its planned entrance. This miniature version offers a taste of what’s to come and builds anticipation for the grand opening.
With over 100 barbecue restaurants, the World Series of Barbecue competition, and the Barbecue Hall of Fame, Kansas City has a rich barbecue heritage that dates back to the early 1900s. From the pioneering efforts of Black chef Henry Perry to the city’s modern-day pitmasters, Kansas City has long been a hub for barbecue enthusiasts.
Jonathan Bender emphasizes the significance of Kansas City as the home of the Museum of BBQ, stating, “Barbecue is synonymous with the city because of the rich traditions here.” As the museum prepares to open its doors, it promises to be a must-visit destination for barbecue lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
