A brand museum dedicated to Spam has opened its doors in the US at the home of the product in Austin, Minnesota.

Designed by Jack Rouse Associates, who provided complete planning, design and project management, the 14,000sq ft (1,300sq m) museum celebrating one of the world’s most popular and recognisable canned meat products, looks back at its history, including its contributions to the war effort and its place in pop culture.

The Hormel Foods brand, which has a 125-year history, houses a number of Spam-dedicated galleries in the new museum, which expects to draw 125,000 visitors a year. Among the new offerings within the museum, visitors can test their height against cans of Spam, explore a Spam-themed play area and simulate making a can of Spam. Throughout the museum, guests will also be able to sample a variety Hormel’s canned meats. The experience ends with a trip to the museum gift shop, which is stocked with an array of Spam-branded products.

“We are excited to open the Spam Museum in downtown Austin and share this new, interactive experience with fans across the globe,” said Nicole Behne, marketing director, Grocery Products at Hormel Foods. “As we prepare to celebrate the 125th anniversary of our company in Austin, throughout the country and the world, this new Spam Museum will be a great way for people to connect with the iconic Spam products and Hormel Foods.”