Are you a Pez collector, or have you ever met one? They are interesting folks, just like the candy containers they collect. Fortunately, the Bay Area is host to the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia, a worthwhile stop for collectors and fans alike.
PEZ Dispensers
Our family headed up there before Christmas, trying to stave off the overwhelming holiday excitement. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the curator, Gary Doss, who also sold us admission tickets. The tickets included a personal tour of the museum, where Gary highlighted some of the treasures.
Original Pez Advertisement
Pez was originally “Das Feine Pfefferminz”, created in Austria, to help adults stop smoking. There is a gorgeous vintage poster on the wall. The oldest containers were plain, lighter-like dispensers, and the first character containers were Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Casper the Friendly Ghost.
Oldest PEZ Dispensers
Gary claims that he has every Pez dispenser ever created, and frankly, after peeking into the back room, I have to agree. In addition, he has collected several other classic toys, including Mr Potato Head, Colorforms, Tinkertoys and View-Masters.
Classic Toys
Entrance is $1 for children 4-12 years, and $3 for adults, which includes a personalized tour. Gary will also kindly take your picture next to the Giant Snowman Pez dispenser, at 7 feet 10 inches, the World’s Largest Dispenser of Pez, weighing in at over 85 pounds. And if you need to bring Pez dispensers back for the Pez collector in your life, the museum has a great selection of items for sale, including several rare configurations.
8 Responses
What a fun museum! And wow, that Giant Snowman Pez sounds BIG!! Great Christmas card photo idea. hehe
Rheas last blog post..Ree, the Pioneer Woman
We saw a Pez Museum in Easton, PA, as well. I wonder how many of these there are around the country?
My kids had their first Pez at Thanksgiving; they thought they were really cool.
Lindas last blog post..Rio Grande Zoo in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Too cool! I love these quirky little museums.
Barbara Weibels last blog post..There Is Beauty In These Prairies
Very cool find, my kids would love it! I didn’t know that they were originally intended to curb adult’s smoking habits… so they started with a good cause!
Lunchbox Obsesseds last blog post..Wall-E Bento Lunchbox Art
I love Pez candy although I must confess that I have been on jawbreakers as of late.
I’m traveling to the Bay Area in February and will definitely try to make some time to stop by this museum.
Disney-O_Ramas last blog post..Disney’s “What Will You Celebrate” Promo Underway With Changes
Rhea: we considered making it our Christmas Card photo, but the Giant Snowman totally outshown us!
Linda: I had no idea there were other Pez Museums. I will keep a lookout for others!
Barbara: Quirky is cool
LO: Yeah, I was surprised about that too. And the original dispensers look very much like lighters.
D-O Rama: This is a great little museum and does not take long to see all their treasures. It is very close to downtown Burlingame, which is a nice place to walk around, shop and eat. Would make a good adventure when you come to town.
Cheers,
My kids would love this place - especially if they could pick up a Pez in the souvenir shop!
Sandra Foyts last blog post..Is Home Schooling A Mainstream Choice?
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