Watch CBS News

Nation's First Pizza Museum To Open In Philadelphia

By Chelsea Karnash

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A record-breaking amount of pizza-centric memorabilia will soon be housed under one roof right here in Philadelphia.

The nation's first museum dedicated to the delicious foodstuff is set to open on Frankford Avenue in Fishtown next month. Not only will it contain what the Guinness Book of World Records has deemed the largest collection of pizza memorabilia, but the space will also come with an attached artisan pizzeria and the first Little Baby's Ice Cream storefront.

"This is indeed the nation's first pizza museum—unless there's some guy in a cave somewhere who doesn't know about the internet and has never shared his museum with a living soul," says founder Brian Dwyer.

Dubbed Pizza Brain, the museum/pizzeria is the brain-child of the 27-year-old Dwyer, a former film student with a passion for pizza pies that's so strong he has a slice tattooed on his back.

Pizza Brain's owner Brian Dwyer shows off some of his collection. (Credit: Brian Dwyer)

So what can pizza enthusiasts expect to see at this out-there Philly museum? Everything from records dedicated to pizza songs and pizza-themed comics to pizza-related art exhibits. The collection will grow as Dwyer collects more items, and the hopes are that the museum will have the vibe of an interactive art exhibit.

If you're wondering what the menu will offer, Dwyer says he plans to "pay homage to the quintessential American pizza experience…our food is steeped in tradition, but not bound by it." That means regular thin crust pies topped with cheese and pepperoni, as well as more unique creations "that will seduce and excite even the most discerning palate."

Pizza Brain is scheduled to open on September 7, 2012.

The guys behind Pizza Brain. (Credit: Brian Dwyer)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.