Visit the world’s first Museum of BBQKansas, United States

Kansas City, prepare your napkins because things are about to get gloriously messy; the Museum of BBQ is setting up shop in Crown Center. Officially opening in Spring 2025 (but figuratively open in our stomachs from right now), the world’s first shrine to smoked meats, saucy secrets, and pitmaster wizardry is coming to town, and it’s bringing all the sizzle.

Founded by barbecue aficionado Jonathan Bender (an Emmy-winning storyteller with a well-trained palate) and chef/butcher extraordinaire Alex Pope, this museum isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a full-on flavour experience. You’ll follow storytelling trails through the 4,223-square-foot space, exploring the essential BBQ elements: Meat, Rub/Spice, Wood, Fire, Smoke, and Sauce. It’s basically the periodic table for carnivores.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better – boom – regional rivalry enters the chat. Wander through the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas, and, of course, Kansas City, to see how each locale smokes, slathers, and serves its barbecue. You can even take a pit stop in an oversized crock of barbecued beans, because why the hell not?

You won’t even walk out empty-handed. The gift shop will be slinging regional sauces, rubs, and BBQ swag, so you can take a little smoke home with you. Plus, a tiny, whimsical preview version of the museum is already waiting at Crown Center for those too impatient to wait for the real deal.

So, fire up your excitement, KC. The Museum of BBQ is coming, and it’s bringing the meat sweats with it.

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