The Original Pizza Hut Museum
1 / 10

Original Pizza Hut Museum

4.4
·159 reviews·Wichita, United States

Visit the very first Pizza Hut building, now a museum on Wichita State University's campus. Explore the origins of a global pizza empire for free!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, 8 AM - 5 PM

Museum hours for exploration

CrowdLow
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The Original Pizza Hut Museum

Original Pizza Hut Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, 8 AM - 5 PM

Museum hours for exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Visit the very first Pizza Hut building, now a museum on Wichita State University's campus. Explore the origins of a global pizza empire for free!

4.4
(159 reviews)

"Very cool to see the original Pizza hut building. It’s truly just a hut but there’s some cool artifacts inside."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission & Parking

Enjoy this historical gem without spending a dime! Parking is also free on campus.

⏰ Quick Visit

Allow about 30-60 minutes to fully appreciate the exhibits and history.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Original Hut

The Original Hut

Wichita State University Campus

See the iconic, small building where it all began in 1958. A true piece of fast-food history.

Vintage Memorabilia

Vintage Memorabilia

Inside the Museum

Explore artifacts, old commercials, and learn about Pizza Hut's journey from a local spot to a global phenomenon.

Nostalgic Atmosphere

Nostalgic Atmosphere

Wichita State University Campus

Experience the 80s and 90s vibe that many visitors recall from their childhood.

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Planning Your Visit

Visit the Birthplace of Pizza Hut

Step back in time at the original Pizza Hut building, now a museum on Wichita State University's campus. It's a quick, free visit perfect for pizza lovers and those seeking a dose of nostalgia. Plan for about 30-60 minutes to explore the artifacts and learn about the brand's humble beginnings.

Nostalgia & Artifacts Await

This isn't a functioning restaurant, but a museum showcasing the history of Pizza Hut. Expect to see vintage memorabilia and learn about the company's rise from a small hut to a global chain. It's a pilgrimage for fans and a fascinating glimpse into fast-food history.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, 8 AM - 5 PM
Why
Museum hours for exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Anytime
Why
Free admission and parking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

found the holy land on the drive back from florida — #pizzahut #tacobell #2020 #fyp
@htlbellamuerte
475.5K likes • 2.5M views

🎯 Free Admission & Parking

Enjoy this historical gem without spending a dime! Parking is also free on campus. Reddit

⏰ Quick Visit

Allow about 30-60 minutes to fully appreciate the exhibits and history. Reddit

Nostalgia at the Last Classic Pizza Hut in Illinois
@abekanan
234.7K likes • 3.6M views
On #InternationalMuseumDay, we celebrate our very own Pizza Hut Museum! 🍕In 1958, two WSU students 🌾 started what has become one of the biggest pizza chains in the world. The original building resides on our campus and is open to the public. Visit us Monday - Friday from 8am-5pm to get a peak into its history! 😎
homeofthehut
20 likes • 599 views

🍕 Craving Pizza?

While you can't eat here, the visit might inspire a Pizza Hut run! Reddit

🏫 On Campus Location

It's located on Wichita State University's campus, making it a unique stop. Instagram

The original building of this iconic chain is now a quaint Pizza Hut museum on Wichita State University campus! Who knew such a small hut would one day invent stuffed crust pizza and pan pizza styles? Did you know: Pizza Hut was the first national chain to offer delivery ordering via the internet? 📍2090 Innovation Blvd., Wichita, KS 67208 #pizzahut #wichita #WichitaKS #VisitWichita #HeartOfThe...
travel_culture_lab
5 likes • 116 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission & Parking

Enjoy this historical gem without spending a dime! Parking is also free on campus. Reddit

⏰ Quick Visit

Allow about 30-60 minutes to fully appreciate the exhibits and history. Reddit

🍕 Craving Pizza?

While you can't eat here, the visit might inspire a Pizza Hut run! Reddit

🏫 On Campus Location

It's located on Wichita State University's campus, making it a unique stop. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(159 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Original Pizza Hut Museum a cool and nostalgic stop, appreciating the free admission and the chance to see the birthplace of a major pizza chain. While it's a small museum and not a functioning restaurant, the historical artifacts and glimpse into the brand's origins are highly valued. Some visitors note it's small and can be seen quickly, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile and charming experience for fans and history buffs.

"Very cool to see the original Pizza hut building. It’s truly just a hut but there’s some cool artifacts inside. It’s on the campus of Wichita State University. It’s free along with parking and you can spend a good half hour to hour here. Definitely worth the stop and had us craving Pizza Hut!"

Dan Reamer

"Pretty cool. My first job after college in 1990! Lots of great memories there! And we are having a reunion in October!"

Steve Grimes

"It’s crazy how small this store is and or was!! It’s located at Wichita state university, it says it was open but there was no one in there or I couldn’t get in. It’s so small you can see everything thru the windows. Pretty neat to see the history of such a huge company today and where they started."

RANDY MILLER

What People Like

Free admission and parking
Historical significance
Nostalgic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Small size
Not a functioning restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located on the campus of Wichita State University at 2090 Innovation Blvd., Wichita, KS 67208. Parking is free and readily available nearby. Instagram+1

Yes, parking is free and available on the Wichita State University campus near the museum. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum is accessible by car and is situated on the university campus. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Original Pizza Hut Museum is completely free! InstagramReddit

The museum is typically open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check for any special holiday hours. Instagram

While it's generally open weekdays, it's best to confirm hours before your visit, especially around holidays. Instagram

Yes, you can go inside to explore the exhibits and learn about Pizza Hut's history. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find vintage artifacts, historical displays, and old commercials that chronicle the rise of the Pizza Hut brand from its 1958 origins. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour exploring the museum and its exhibits. Reddit

Yes, it's a quick and interesting stop that can be fun for families interested in food history and pop culture. TikTok

No, the original building is now a museum and does not serve food. Instagram

It's the very first Pizza Hut building, opened by two Wichita State University students, marking the start of a global pizza empire. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the museum, but it's always polite to check for any specific signage or ask staff if unsure. TikTok

Capture the iconic exterior of the original hut and the vintage memorabilia displayed inside for a nostalgic shot. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Original Pizza Hut Museum offers a quick and engaging stop for families. It's a chance for kids to see where a globally recognized brand started, sparking curiosity about entrepreneurship and history. The free admission and parking make it an easy addition to any itinerary. TikTokReddit

While it's not a place to eat, the visual exhibits and historical context can be interesting for younger visitors. It’s a good opportunity to talk about how businesses grow and the importance of innovation. The short visit time also ensures kids don't get bored. Instagram

🍕 Pizza Aficionados

For true pizza lovers and Pizza Hut fans, this museum is a must-visit pilgrimage site. It's the birthplace of a brand that revolutionized pizza delivery and introduced iconic styles like pan pizza. Instagram+1 You'll get an up-close look at the very building where it all began, offering a unique connection to pizza history. Reddit

Explore the artifacts and learn about the innovations that shaped the Pizza Hut experience over the decades. It's a chance to appreciate the journey from a small hut to a global empire, understanding the legacy behind your favorite slices. Instagram

🕰️ Nostalgia Seekers

If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, the Original Pizza Hut Museum is a direct portal to your childhood. Many visitors report feeling a strong sense of nostalgia as they explore the vintage decor and memorabilia. TikTok+2 It’s a chance to relive memories of family dinners, birthday parties, and the iconic red roof. Reddit

Seeing old commercials and artifacts can bring back a flood of memories, making this a deeply personal and enjoyable experience. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder of a bygone era and the cultural impact of fast-food chains. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Genesis of a Pizza Empire

The story of the Original Pizza Hut Museum is the story of a humble beginning that grew into a global phenomenon. In 1958, brothers Dan and Frank Carney, students at Wichita State University, borrowed $600 from their mother to open a pizza parlor. They chose the name 'Pizza Hut' because the sign they could afford only had room for eight letters. This small, red-roofed building on campus was the very first Pizza Hut. Instagram+1

Today, this historic structure has been preserved and moved to the Wichita State University campus, serving as a museum dedicated to the brand's history. It's a pilgrimage site for pizza enthusiasts and a fascinating glimpse into the origins of a fast-food giant. Visitors can explore the space and imagine the early days of this iconic chain. Instagram+1

While the building no longer serves pizza, it stands as a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and the power of a simple idea. It's a place where you can connect with the roots of a brand many grew up with, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and business history. Reddit

Experiencing the Nostalgia

Visiting the Original Pizza Hut Museum is often described as stepping into a time capsule. Many visitors recall the distinctive red roof, the classic interior decor, and the overall ambiance that defined Pizza Hut in the 80s and 90s. TikTok+2 The museum houses artifacts that evoke strong memories for those who grew up with the brand, including old commercials and memorabilia that showcase its evolution. Reddit

For many, it's more than just a visit; it's a trip down memory lane. People share stories of their first jobs at Pizza Hut or family dinners spent enjoying their pizzas. Reddit The experience is often described as 'cute,' 'informative,' and 'very nostalgic,' making it a worthwhile stop for anyone looking to reconnect with their past or simply appreciate the history of popular culture. Reddit

While the museum itself is small, the impact of the memories it evokes is significant. It’s a place that sparks conversation and shared experiences, reminding visitors of simpler times and the enduring appeal of a classic pizza joint. TikTok

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