One government statement lists more than 35,000 museums in the United States. One of the most unique museums on that list is The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. As the self proclaimed World’s only salt and pepper shaker museum, it is home to over 20,000 pairs of shakers and is the type of hidden gem that embodies the true spirit of roadside America. The museum displays shakers from around the world, so come on down to Gatlinburg and experience this one-of-a-kind collection.
A Quick History of the Museum
The museum was started as a byproduct of the massive amount of salt and pepper shakers Andrea Ludden had acquired since the 1980s. She became fascinated with the history and culture that is reflected in the shakers of years past and kept adding to her collection. As the collection continued to grow and grow, the Luddens finally decided to move all the salt and pepper shakers out of their home and into a museum. The museum was officially started in 2001 and its original location was Cosby, TN. Four years later it was relocated to its current home in Gatlinburg, TN. You can read the full story on how it all got started.
What Will You See At The Museum?
While the building may be small compared to most standard museums, it is not short on the amount of items on display. You’ll see shakers from every decade, the oldest of which go back to the 1500s. The collection is organized by theme and the shakers are tightly packed side by side. Everything is secured in glass shelves to keep things tidy and prevent anything from going missing. The shakers come in all shapes and sizes. Everything from automobiles, vegetables, cartoon characters, animals, snowmen and so much more. Whatever you’re interested in, you can bet the museum has a shaker on display representing it. You’ll also see the smaller (around 1,500) collection of pepper mills on display.
Hours, Location and Price
The museum is an absolute bargain at only $3.00 per person while children 12 and under are free. If you choose to purchase a salt and pepper shaker from the gift shop, your $3.00 admission will be applied toward your purchase! What other museum does that?
The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is located at 461 Brookside Village Way in Gatlinburg, and is open seven days a week, with hours varying seasonally.
It has taken the Luddens over 25 years to acquire this collection and make it available for the public to enjoy. When you walk through the museum doors, you can instantly tell that this has been a labor of love and they are thankful that you stopped in to visit. The next time you plan a trip to Gatlinburg, make sure you schedule some time to visit one of the city’s most unique treasures. You’ll have so much fun picking out your favorite shakers and looking at all the themed displays.
