FAQs
Visiting
Should I eat barbecue in Kansas City?
Yes. You should eat all the barbecue. And tell us which one was your favorite. We might send you something to say thanks for the recommendation.
Where do I park?
Crown Center has a covered parking garage. There is a fee to park in the garage; but if you make a purchase at the Museum of BBQ, we can offer validation for 2 hours of free parking. If you spend more than $50, you can bring your receipt to the Customer Service desk (just down the hall from us on the second floor) for a validation that provides up to 5 hours of free parking.
Where do I park my bus?
Crown Center has bus parking available in two locations. You can park along Warwick Trafficway between 26th and 27th streets, as well as along McGee Street Trafficway (north of 26th Street). Here’s a map of the available parking.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring your digital ticket (it has the QR code to check you in). If you’re under 16 years old, we ask you to please bring someone that is over 16 with you. We’ll provide the rest.
Where is the Museum of BBQ located?
We are located in the shops at Crown Center (2450 Grand Boulevard, Suite 231, Kansas City, Missouri, 64108). We’re on the second floor between Chip’s Chocolate Factory and Sportibles, on Parking Level 2A in the garage.
What are the hours of the Museum of BBQ?
We’re open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Where do I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets on this site – good job you’re in the right place – or in person (if we’re not sold out in advance) at the check-in counter in our shop on the second floor of Crown Center.
Do you have a gift shop?
You betcha. We have sauce and rubs and merch and dog toys and plush mustards. Let us help you find the perfect gift for the barbecue lover in your life, whether that’s you or someone you love.
Do you have a bathroom?
We don’t; but Crown Center has bathrooms on each level. And the bathroom on the second floor is located down the hall out our front door. Take your first left and then your first right and you’re there. If you hit the parking garage, you went too far. Apologies for the dad directions.
Is your museum wheelchair accessible?
It is wheelchair accessible; but our bean pit does require that guests must be able to walk up and down stairs on their own.
Can children come to the Museum of BBQ?
We encourage them to come. This is a family friendly experience with lots of interactive elements that encourage people of all ages to play while they learn. Entrance is free for children 3 years old and younger.
What if I want to buy tickets for a group?
Who wouldn’t? This is a place for friends and family to enjoy together. If you’ve got a group of 10 or more, reach out to us. We’ll find a time that works for your group and be glad to have you at the Museum of BBQ.
When should I arrive if I’ve bought tickets?
Please arrive in the 30-minute-window on your tickets. If you happen to arrive after that, we’ll do our best to find the next available time you can tour the museum.
How do I check in?
The check-in counter is on your right-hand side when you walk in the front doors of our gift shop. Head to the register closest to the smoker door (furthest from the main entrance) and have your QR code ticket ready to be scanned by one of our team members. They’ll welcome you and talk you through your visit.
Is this a self-guided tour?
Yes. We want you to be able to go at your own pace and spend time where you want among the elements and different regions of barbecue. But we ask you to please only go one way through the exhibits to give everyone a chance to see the sites.
Do you serve food?
We don’t. But you’ll find your other senses – touch, sight, smell and hearing – all engaged as you make your way through our exhibits. We know you’ll be hungry afterwards and there’s a barbecue restaurant – Burnt End BBQ – on the first floor of Crown Center.
How long does a visit to the Museum of BBQ last?
A visit to the museum is 30 to 45 minutes for most guests. But it may be longer, as there are lots of interactive elements, history to learn, and plenty of sauces and rubs to check out in our gift shop.
What will I experience at the Museum of BBQ?
Joy. You will experience joy. And you’ll get hungry. Sorry. Not Sorry. There are 10 installations, each with interactive elements that explore the elements and regions of barbecue. You’ll get to smell the different spices in rub, touch the wood that fuels smokers, hear from pitmasters how to cook great barbecue, and get a few small surprises from us along the way.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, you can walk up and purchase tickets if they’re available. Tickets can sell out, so we recommend purchasing them in advance.
Events
Can I host an event at the Museum of BBQ?
You betcha. We’ve got a creative team and a space designed to be flexible. Reach out with the details. Let’s get it on the calendar.
Can we bring a field trip to the Museum of BBQ?
Yes. This is a space where we want kids and grown-up kids to learn about barbecue. Reach out to coordinate your visit.
What types of events do you offer?
Sauce tasting. Private museum tours. Barbecue judging. Pitmaster classes. We’ve got a deep roster of barbecue experts who love telling stories and teaching people how to make great barbecue.
Can you bring the Museum of BBQ to me?
We don’t have a rib-mobile (yet); but we have taken our show on the road. If you’re planning a convention in Kansas City or would like to have an experience off-site, let’s talk about what’s possible.
PARTNERS
Who is helping to bring the Museum of BBQ to life?
We’re fortunate to have sponsors help us create a memorable experience for visitors to the Museum of BBQ. Our sponsors are Bush’s® Beans, Prairie Fresh, Southern Pride, Visit KC, and the National Barbecue & Grilling Association.
I’m interested in sponsoring the Museum of BBQ.
We knew it. Drop us a line. Let’s talk about what you have in mind.
Still have questions? We’ve got answers.
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