Pizza memorabilia — from pizza boxes to toys like a stuffed Domino’s Pizza mascot — will be on display starting August 10 in the South Loop. The U.S. Pizza Museum has found a home at the Roosevelt Collection, the residential and retail complex that also houses a ShowPlace ICON movie theater at West Roosevelt Road between Clark and Wells streets. The museum has popped up with displays at places like Paulie Gee’s Pizza in Logan Square. Now the museum will have more room — 3,000 square feet — to showcase items.
The museum, established three years ago, aims to tell the story of pizza in America. Founder Kendall Bruns’ collection includes pizza boxes from various chains, vintage pizzeria menus, and nostalgic toys. That includes a toy Noid, Domino’s irritating mascot from the ‘80s. There’s also a collection of toys from the pizza-loving Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The museum will also sell souvenirs, according to a news release.
The museum doesn’t participate in pizza bigotry. Chicago deep dish, tavern style, and even New York thin crusts are represented. Bruns told the Tribune that he also wants to host special events at the new space. Brooklynites are planning their own museum launching in October. They promise an “immersive art experience” for $35 at the Museum of Pizza. Admission to the U.S. Pizza Museum is free.
Reservations are available online for visits starting August 10 through the October. Bruns is working on a more permanent location so stay tuned.