Barbecue lovers, get ready for an experience that’s as educational as it is mouth-watering. In the spring of 2025, Crown Center in Kansas City will become home to the world’s first Museum of BBQ. This unique destination promises to be a feast for the senses, offering an immersive journey through the history, flavors and techniques of America’s most beloved culinary tradition.
“This is a place where barbecue comes alive,” says Jonathan Bender, who is opening the museum up with chef and restaurateur Alex Pope.
Bender is no stranger to the world of barbecue. An Emmy award-winning writer, he’s been covering the barbecue scene for more than 15 years and is a certified judge at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue.
The museum will feature interactive themed rooms dedicated to the essential elements of barbecue—meat, rub/spice, wood, fire, smoke and sauce—as well as exhibits highlighting the distinct regional styles of BBQ, including the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas and Kansas City. Visitors can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how these components come together to create the smoky, savory dishes we love.
Hands-on exhibits and interactive displays will ensure that the knowledge sticks with you long after your visit, making it as fun as it is informative. From learning the science of smoking meat to discovering the unique flavor profiles of each region, you’re guaranteed a memorable, flavorful experience at the museum.
To top it all off, there will be a large gift shop stocked with clothing, sauces, rubs and other barbecue essentials from the four main BBQ regions.
