News Summary
Kansas City, Missouri, will launch the Museum of BBQ, dedicated to celebrating the city’s barbecue heritage. Set to open in April 2024, the museum will showcase BBQ history from various regions, emphasizing Kansas City’s diverse traditions. While visitors won’t find food inside, they can enjoy meals at Burnt Ends BBQ below. The opening aligns with the Kansas City Museum’s rebranding for its 85th anniversary, highlighting local culture. It features a tribute to BBQ legend Rich Davis and modern attractions like a rebranded soda fountain, enhancing the community’s culinary narrative.
Kansas City, Missouri is set to celebrate its rich BBQ culture with the grand opening of the first museum dedicated entirely to BBQ, the Museum of BBQ. Opening on Saturday, April 12, 2024, the museum is located at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Boulevard, Suite 231. Admission tickets are available for purchase online at $11.10.
The Museum of BBQ will focus on the history of barbecue from various regions of the United States, including the Carolinas, Memphis, and Alabama, with a particular emphasis on Kansas City’s own diverse BBQ traditions. Jonathan Bender, the museum’s founder, aims to highlight Kansas City as a “melting pot” of barbecue culture.
Although the museum will not serve food, visitors in search of a BBQ meal can head downstairs to Burnt Ends BBQ, which is located on the first floor of Crown Center. This adds convenience for guests who may want to enjoy a meal before or after their visit to the museum.
This opening is part of a broader rebranding initiative for the Museum of Kansas City, which aims to refresh its identity as it celebrates its 85th anniversary this year. The new brand identity was unveiled on January 30 and marks a transition from a traditional history museum to a city museum that examines its past, present, and future.
Director & CEO Anna Marie Tutera explained that the new branding serves to highlight the diverse stories that make up Kansas City’s cultural fabric. The museum will feature a new logo that incorporates the city’s signature red and blue colors, symbolizing a welcoming spirit. Variations of the logo will be used to represent different themes, communities, and collaborations across various exhibitions and programs throughout the year.
As part of its 85th anniversary celebrations, the museum will host a series of special events, including the 10th annual Derby Party. In addition, the museum has launched a multi-year, multi-staged capital campaign titled “Making a Museum KC,” aimed at securing funds for ongoing renovations and restorations.
The Museum of BBQ aims to be an interactive experience for visitors of all ages, including school field trips and aspiring pitmasters. The exhibition space is designed to engage visitors in a playful atmosphere that merges education with enjoyment. The Kansas City room within the museum pays tribute to local BBQ legend Rich Davis, known for inventing KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce.
Another attraction within the museum is the soda fountain, newly rebranded as Elixir. This facility adds a modern twist to the historical soda shop vibe that was typical of the Kirby Drugstore era, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The launch of the Museum of BBQ comes amid ongoing competitions among cities to claim the title of BBQ capital of the world. With its dedication to BBQ culture and heritage, the museum positions Kansas City prominently in this culinary rivalry.
The opening of the Museum of BBQ not only celebrates the local culinary identity but also reflects the city’s commitment to cultural preservation and public engagement in the arts and history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kansas City Ranks Third in Yelp’s Best BBQ Cities List
Kansas City’s Culinary Scene Faces Changes and Celebrations
Kansas City Prepares for the American Royal’s 125th Anniversary
Additional Resources
- KMBC: Kansas City Museum of BBQ Opening April 12
- Google Search: Museum of BBQ Kansas City
- KCTV5: Museum of Kansas City Announces Rebrand
- Google Scholar: Museum of Kansas City Rebrand
- Axios: Barbecue Museum Opens in Kansas City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue History
- KCTV5: KC Museum Celebrates 85 Years
- Google News: Museum of Kansas City 85th Anniversary
