This summer, Chicago’s South Loop gets a whole lot cheesier when the U.S. Pizza Museum opens its doors at Roosevelt Collection (1146 S. Delano Court West). Starting with a grand opening celebration on Friday, August 10, the museum will be open throughout October on Fridays from 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Previously only existing online and through popup exhibits and events, this is the first full-fledged showcase of Founder Kendall Bruns’ vision of a museum that preserves and interprets pizza-related items in both a present-day and historical context, and it will be free for all ages to visit.

“Welcoming the U.S. Pizza Museum to Roosevelt Collection will expand our cultural offerings and give Chicagoans and out-of-towners another reason to visit,” says Shannon Ridgeway, General Manager of Roosevelt Collection Shops. “Our visitors return not only for our great shopping, but also for the experiences they can have with us – whether it’s taking in the latest blockbuster, enjoying a challenging fitness class, or discovering something new about their favorite food.”

The U.S. Pizza Museum features pizza-themed ephemera, including menus, rare pizza boxes, vinyl records, vintage ads, toys, video games, and more. Pizza-related souvenirs, including clothing and original works by independent artists, will be available for purchase in the museum gift shop.

“As America’s favorite food, pizza provides an easy entry point to learn about history, pop culture, and the people behind the pizza. We expect the exhibits to have a nostalgic effect on viewers, and I’m thrilled to work with Roosevelt Collection to bring it to life,” says Bruns. “Visitors will benefit from free entry to the museum and an ongoing calendar of activities.”

To kick off the grand opening weekend celebration, Aurelio’s of South Loop will offer free pizza samples to all visitors as part of the festivities from Friday, August 10 through Sunday, August 12. Throughout the summer, the Roosevelt Collection and U.S. Pizza Museum partner to offer a series of special events to spread the pizza love, including art activities, book signings, dough-making demonstrations, pizza parties, and mobile pizzerias parked outside of the museum. A full schedule will be announced soon.