KC is the (unofficial) barbecue capital of the world, so it’s only befitting that the world’s first Museum of BBQ is being slow-cooked up at Crown Center — and we've got the dish on its latest updates.

Set to debut Saturday, April 12, the immersive 4,223-sqft museum is the brainchild of two barbecue enthusiasts with credentials. Johnathan Bender is a certified American Royal World Series of Barbecue judge, and fellow co-founder Chef Alex Pope is the owner and restaurateur behind Local Pig.

“Barbecue is a feast for your senses,” says Bender. “We’re creating a place where you can immerse yourself in the stories of barbecue.”

Guests will go on a gastronomic journey through two unique paths: one dedicated to the US’ famous barbecue regions (the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas, and KC), and the second focusing on the elements that go into making barbecue so finger-licking good.

Unlocking a fantasy we never knew we had... | Photo by Museum of BBQ

Here's a taste of what you can expect come opening day:

Get interactive with activities like a spice guessing game, smoke ring toss, and (our favorite) a human-sized baked bean pit sponsored by Bush’s® Beans.
Pose with plenty of photo ops, including a butcher’s apron + (plushy) meat and a championship mustard belt.
Up your backyard barbecue know-how with tips from its Prairie Fresh listening station, barbecue-themed dad jokes exhibit + learn how to properly order brisket in Texas (though we just get ours from Jack Stack).

After you’ve had your fill, you can traverse to the gift shop packed with sauces + rubs from the represented regions, alongside museum merch.

Want an appetizer before it opens? Snag your ticket beforehand and stop by the museum’s entrance to view a tiny replica teasing its innards.