Candy Hall of Fame to Open on Chicago's Magnificent Mile

The new attraction will celebrate the city's rich candy-making history.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:05am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a single, recognizable candy item in a grid pattern, rendered in a bold, neon color palette reminiscent of Andy Warhol's pop art style.The new Candy Hall of Fame Experience will celebrate Chicago's rich history as the birthplace of iconic American candy brands.Chicago Today

The Candy Hall of Fame Experience is coming to Chicago's Magnificent Mile, taking up three floors at 830 North Michigan Avenue. The 60,000 square foot attraction will open next year and celebrate Chicago's deep connection to the candy industry, including iconic brands like Ferrara, Mars, Brach's, Tootsie, and Wrigley.

Why it matters

Chicago was selected over Orlando and New York to host the Candy Hall of Fame due to the city's long history as a hub for candy manufacturing and innovation. The new attraction will highlight the people and companies that helped build the American candy industry.

The details

The Candy Hall of Fame Experience will feature interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and behind-the-scenes looks at candy production. Organizers say the attraction will reflect Chicago's status as the birthplace of many beloved candy brands.

  • The Candy Hall of Fame Experience is set to open in 2027.
  • Chicago was selected as the host city earlier this year.

The players

Shelly Clarey

Chairman of the National Confectioners Association (NCSA), the organization behind the Candy Hall of Fame.

Milton Hershey

The founder of The Hershey Company, who found inspiration for his chocolate in Chicago at the 1893 World's Fair.

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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 Confectioners Association (NCSA)

What’s next

The Candy Hall of Fame Experience is expected to open to the public in 2027 after construction is completed on the three-floor attraction in Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

The takeaway

Chicago's rich history as a hub for candy manufacturing and innovation will be celebrated with the opening of the new Candy Hall of Fame Experience, further solidifying the city's status as a sweet destination for confectionery enthusiasts.