The city of Austin, Minnesota is home to a free museum that really hams it up. That’s right, Spam, the canned meat that comes in those shiny, blue rectangle cans, operates a museum dedicated to itself. As they say on their website, the museum “puts a whole new spin on ‘cubism’”. Seriously, this is a real thing and has been since 1991.
The Spam Museum was originally known as the Hormel Foods First Century Museum. It was built at a local mall as a way to celebrate Hormel’s 100-year anniversary. It was later rebranded as the Spam Museum. It was then moved to a more spacious location in 2001 and again to its current location in 2016.
So, how much can you learn about Spam? Apparently, quite a bit. Surprisingly, the place is full of interesting facts. The museum features seven different galleries within a large 14,000 square foot space. Spam-bassadors (again, a real thing) say that it generally takes between 30-45 minutes to see it all. And before you even ask, Spamples are available too. The different sections of museum include:
- Can Central: Described as the “heart of the museum.” This playful area offers interactive activities. Ever wanted to hand pack a Spam can? Here’s your opportunity.
- Spam 101: A rundown on how the product was created and how it became popular worldwide.
- Spam Factory Line: A hands-on exhibit where families work together simulating the whole Spam-making process.
- World Market: Samples of advertising and an interactive map representing 44 different nations. Also, you can find recipes from all over the world.
- Military Exhibit: Information on how Spam became a staple in soldiers’ diets during the war, how the product was shipped to Allied forces around the world and how it was used here at home.
- Can Chronicles: See how the Spam can has changed over the years. It’s more interesting than it sounds.
- Spam Brand Theater: Showing videos on Spam’s impact on pop culture.
- Spam Products from Around the World: Features an interactive map
And of course, there is the Spam Shop offering hundreds of Spam-related merchandise. And since you didn’t have to pay to go in you can go hog wild.
Whether you take a guided tour or explore the place on your own, there is no charge for either one. The museum was designed for the whole family in mind. It has a play area for little kids and interactive exhibits that feature quizzes and games for bigger kids. As Spam likes to say, “It’s a trip for the history books. And the cookbooks.”
The Spam Museum is open seven days a week and is located at 101 3rd Ave. NE, Austin, MN 55912.
Main Image: Wikipedia
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