Foodies can now learn about the history of the hot dog while getting a taste of Chicago’s famous  culinary culture at the city’s first ever food-centric museum.

The Foodseum, founded by entrepreneur Kyle Joseph, who serves as executive director, will run its first exhibit,“The Hot Dog and Encased Meats of the World,” Sept. 19 through Dec. 20 at the Block 37 shopping mall, 108 N. State St.

Joseph conceived the idea for the museum during his traveling experiences, according to Suzie Fasulo, director of People and Operations for the Foodseum. 

“He grew up in London and Germany and often found himself as a foreigner in new communities,” Fasulo said. “He discovered that food had a great ability to connect people from different backgrounds.”

Joseph learned about the people, history and traditions “behind the flavors” and wanted to share his experiences with the world, Fasulo said. The pop-up exhibits are temporary, but the Foodseum aims to have a permanent location by 2017, Fasulo added. 

“The exhibit serves as a teaser to what the Foodseum will look like,” Fasulo said. 

“The Hot Dog and Encased Meats of the World” exhibit will feature more than 23 spices used in sausages to smell and food tastings on selected days. The museum will also display various food artifacts, including chopping blocks from the 1800s and tools used by butcher shops at the turn of the century, she said. 

Many are pleased with the addition of the food museum.

“I think people want to learn more and the Foodseum is creating an environment where they are making food culture accessible to everyone,” said Kit Graham, a Chicago-based food blogger and author. 

“It’s going to help propel Chicago to be more of a food center,” Graham said.

The company has faced some challenges since discussion of its formation began in 2014.

“With any nonprofit, it’s always a struggle being able to find the resources to work and connect with so many great people in the community, but we are getting through it,” Fasulo said.

The organization raised more than $30,000 through a Kickstarter campaign and working with various food festivals in Chicago to raise awareness for its capital campaign. 

Chicago is  home to more than 7,300 restaurants,according to the City of Chicago’s website. The opening of the Foodseum will allow people to interact and experience foods on a new level,  Fasulo said.

 “I think there is a rich history that people would love to dip into,” said Tom Pierce, marketing vice president at Vienna Beef. “[Some] 70–80 companies used to produce sausage at the turn of the century and now there are only about five in Chicago.”

The current exhibit will run through Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at Block 37  108 N. State St. Admission is free.