Candy Hall of Fame Experience to Open on Chicago's Mag Mile

New 60,000-square-foot museum will celebrate the city's rich candy-making history.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:44pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic candy item repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the vibrant and playful nature of the new Candy Hall of Fame museum.The new Candy Hall of Fame Experience will celebrate Chicago's rich candy-making history and attract millions of visitors to the city's iconic Magnificent Mile.Chicago Today

The National Confectionery Sales Association announced that the Candy Hall of Fame Experience will open in summer 2027 on Chicago's Magnificent Mile. The 60,000-square-foot, multi-level museum will spotlight iconic candy brands, innovators, and confectionery history, and feature a large retail store. Chicago beat out Orlando and New York City to permanently host the attraction, which is expected to draw 2 million visitors annually and employ around 200 people.

Why it matters

The Candy Hall of Fame's arrival is a much-needed boost for Chicago's struggling downtown, which has seen a wave of business closures since the pandemic. The museum's 20-year lease at the former Uniqlo space on Michigan Avenue will help revitalize the city's iconic high street, which has lost major retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's in recent years.

The details

The Candy Hall of Fame Experience will be located at 830 N. Michigan Ave., occupying a 60,000-square-foot, multi-level space. The museum will spotlight iconic candy brands, confectionery innovators, and the history of the industry, with a large retail store on-site. Chicago was selected over Orlando and New York City to permanently host the attraction, in part due to the city's deep roots in candy making dating back to the late 1800s.

  • The Candy Hall of Fame Experience is slated to open in summer 2027.
  • The museum has signed a 20-year lease for the Michigan Avenue location.

The players

National Confectionery Sales Association

The trade association that oversees the Candy Hall of Fame and announced the new Chicago location.

Shelly Clarey

The chairman of the National Confectionery Sales Association.

Jeff Rubin

The CEO of the Candy Hall of Fame Experience and former founder and CEO of candy store It'Sugar.

Scott Goodman

The developer who owns the property at 830 N. Michigan Ave. where the Candy Hall of Fame Experience will be located.

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What they’re saying

“For more than a century, Chicago has been home to some of the most iconic names in American candy, including Ferrara, Mars, Brach's, Tootsie and Wrigley. Even Milton Hershey found his chocolate inspiration in Chicago at the 1893 World's Fair. Establishing the Candy Hall of Fame Experience here reflects the city's deep connection to the industry and creates a home to celebrate the people who helped build it.”

— Shelly Clarey, Chairman, National Confectionery Sales Association

“Generations of companies built this industry here, and the stories behind those creations deserve to live where they began. This isn't just a location choice; it's a homecoming.”

— Jeff Rubin, CEO, Candy Hall of Fame Experience

What’s next

The Candy Hall of Fame Experience is expected to open its doors to the public in summer 2027 after completing construction and hiring staff.

The takeaway

The arrival of the Candy Hall of Fame Experience on Chicago's Magnificent Mile represents a significant investment in the city's downtown, which has struggled with business closures in recent years. The museum's focus on celebrating Chicago's rich candy-making history and attracting 2 million visitors annually could help revitalize the iconic shopping district.