A group of 15–50
Guided tours last about an hour and include tasting. Arrange the details ahead.
Group planning notes
Middleton, Wisconsin
A very curious detour.
An improbable collection of jars and fine pots, downstairs from a tasting bar and gift shop in Middleton, Wisconsin. Yes, it really is a mustard museum.
A cabinet of small surprises.
Look closely. Even the containers have something to say.
Pots with a purpose
Porcelain, silver and elaborate handles: mustard has had some very fine tableware.
Read the small print
Old labels and jars put the familiar condiment in a different light.
A tin worth keeping
Antique mustard tins join jars and vintage advertisements in the collection.
A royal occasion
A commemorative mustard pot for the 1939 royal visit, behind museum glass.
A dozen jars. Then this.
According to founder and curator Barry Levenson, you can blame it on the Boston Red Sox. After the World Series loss in October 1986, he wandered into an all-night supermarket and bought a dozen jars. In his telling, the mustard aisle offered a thought: “If you collect us, they will come.” That collection became a museum.
“I argued a case before the Supreme Court with a jar of mustard in my left pocket,” he says. “We won!”
Barry Levenson, founder & curator — the museum’s own story
- 1986
The collection begins
On October 28, Barry Levenson bought a dozen jars after the Boston Red Sox lost the World Series.
- 1992
A museum opens
The collection opens to the public in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin.
- 2000
Across the street
The museum moves across the street in Mount Horeb.
- 2009
Hello, Middleton
The museum moves to downtown Middleton and becomes the National Mustard Museum.
And upstairs, a different kind of collection.
The free Tasting Bar and Gourmet Gift Shop bring the mustard back to the table. Ask about what is available to taste, then browse the jars, gifts and pantry shelves.
Who is coming along?
A class or youth group
Mustard for Munchkins combines four tastes with a book or game. Ask the Curator about a date.
Education notesMake a small detour.
- Find us
- 7477 Hubbard Avenue
Middleton, WI 53562
Corner of Hubbard & Parmenter. - Regular hours
- Daily, 10 AM–5 PM. Closed New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Admission & parking
- Free admission. Free parking next to the museum. Guided tours have a separate fee.
- Two floors & access
- Gift shop and Tasting Bar at ground level; museum in the basement. An elevator connects them. Accessible restrooms, doors and parking are listed by the museum.
Check official hours and access details before a special journey.