Smokin’ Hot: The First BBQ Museum is Coming to Kansas City!

A new museum dedicated entirely to barbecue is set to open in Kansas City, Missouri, in the spring of 2025, and it promises to be a paradise for BBQ enthusiasts. Billed as the “world’s first museum of barbecue,” the museum will take an in-depth look at the rich culture, history, and regional variations of this iconic American cuisine.

Jonathan Bender, the museum’s founder, explains, “With big flavors and big personalities, you’re going to have an opinion about barbecue. And once you’ve been to two barbecue restaurants, you’ll definitely be ready to debate which is better.” Bender is well-qualified to lead this initiative—he’s spent over 15 years covering barbecue, served as a judge at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, and produced the documentary Burnt Legend about Kansas City’s famous burnt ends.

Located at Kansas City’s Crown Center shopping complex, the 4,223-square-foot Museum of BBQ will include interactive exhibits diving into the meat, rubs, spices, wood, fire, and smoke that define BBQ styles across the U.S. Visitors will explore how regions like Texas, the Carolinas, Memphis, and Kansas City each have their own signature takes on barbecue. The museum aims to educate and entertain, offering a taste of the diverse flavors that have made barbecue a culinary staple.

Kansas City has long been synonymous with BBQ, boasting over 100 local BBQ joints and hosting prestigious events like the World Series of Barbecue. The city’s contribution to BBQ culture is undeniable, with Bender emphasizing, “Barbecue is authentic and delicious. It can’t be rushed. It’s been a part of American culture for centuries, bringing people together for meals and marking big moments.”

While you’re visiting the museum, the nearby Burnt End BBQ will serve up the city’s signature burnt ends, a must-try for any BBQ lover. For those on the hunt for more mouthwatering Kansas City barbecue, Bender recommends fan-favorites like LC’s Bar-B-Q, Arthur Bryant’s, Slap’s, and Joe’s Kansas City, all known for their iconic meats.

The Museum of BBQ is more than a tribute to food—it’s a celebration of the cultural legacy of barbecue, where pitmasters and butchers tell their stories through food. As Bender puts it, “Barbecue isn’t just food. It’s culture.”

The museum’s creation not only solidifies Kansas City’s place in the barbecue hall of fame but is sure to reignite the age-old debates about which region truly does BBQ best. Whether you’re a Kansas City, Texas, or Carolina BBQ fan, this museum will give you plenty to chew on.

Get ready to savor the flavors of barbecue history in 2025!