Chicago Picked As Home Of Candy Hall Of Fame Experience

CHICAGO — Chicago will become the permanent home of the Candy Hall of Fame Experience, a 60,000-square-foot confectionery attraction planned for the Magnificent Mile, after being chosen over competing bids from Orlando and New York City, officials announced.

Officials with the National Confectionery Sales Association said the decision reflects Chicago’s deep historical ties to the American candy industry, including its long-standing role in manufacturing, innovation and trade. The attraction will be located at 830 N. Michigan Ave. and is expected to open in summer 2027, according to a news release.

City leaders and organizers pointed to Chicago’s legacy as a hub for major candy brands such as Ferrara, Mars, Brach’s, Tootsie and Wrigley, as well as its role in the industry’s early development.

Organizers also noted that Milton Hershey drew inspiration from the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, underscoring the city’s influence on confectionery history, according to the news release.

“Candy carries joy across generations,” said Janet Planet, chief wondermaker for the Candy Hall of Fame Experience. “Our goal is to give that joy a place – one that celebrates imagination, invention, and the shared delight people feel when they encounter something sweet.”

The Candy Hall of Fame Experience is being designed as a multi-level, immersive destination showcasing the history of candy, the innovators behind iconic brands and key milestones in the industry. Developers expect the attraction to draw millions of visitors annually once it opens, according to the news release.

Officials say the project is also intended to boost activity along Michigan Avenue, a corridor that has faced significant retail vacancies in recent years. Further details on exhibits and programming are expected closer to the opening date.

For more information and updates visit the CHOFExperience.com website or the official Candy Hall of Fame Experience Instagram page.