PEZ Visitor Center

Those seeking sweet, nostalgic childhood memories can visit the official PEZ Visitors' Museum.

PEZ Candy was originally invented in Austria, not for the purpose of candied sweets, but as a healthier alternative to smoking. The original name of the product was derived from was PfeffErminZ, from which the letters were derived. The first factory was built in Czechoslovakia in 1935 and quickly grew. PEZ “drops” originally started in a tin box, similar to Altoids, until the dispenser form was invented in 1949.

PEZ first debuted in the US in 1952, settling a facility in New York City, and had its first manufacturing facility in 1973. The candy was originally round, but eventually transitioned to the well-known brick shape. In 1957, three-dimensional characters were added to the top of the dispenser. The first of these characters was known as The Halloween Witch and Popeye was released as the first patented character in 1958.

In the 1960’s, rare flavors, drifting far from the original peppermint flavor, were introduced and included Licorice and Chlorophyll. PEZ pals were also introduced, including the class PEZ Boy. PEZ Boy was crafted as a detective, who would undergo disguises as he investigated each case. Comics were released to support the character’s mysteries and entertain many school children. The stick dispensers did not have feet at the base until 1980’s. Collecting grew in the 1990’s and prompted the very first convention.

Come the turn of the century, PEZ was featured in TV shows and were even added in as cereal box prizes. The first ever limited edition set was Star Wars themed and was released in 2005. In 2007, a Mickey Mouse tin was released to celebrate PEZ’s 80th anniversary. In 2010, the PEZ Visitor’s Center finally opened and is both a museum and extensive gift shop!