About the Dr Pepper Museum
Built in 1906 by architect Milton Scott, the Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company was the first building dedicated to the manufacturing of Dr Pepper. Creating a Dr Pepper Museum was the vision of a few devoted enthusiasts of both Dr Pepper and its history. The Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company became the Dr Pepper Museum in 1989. Today it is the Museum’s largest artifact and a tribute to the imagination and talent that fueled Dr Pepper’s success throughout the years.
Mission
The Dr Pepper Museum educates, inspires, and entertains by sharing the stories of Dr Pepper and the soft drink industry.
Vision
The Dr Pepper Museum is a recognized leaderdevoted to telling the story of Dr Pepper, the soft drink industry, andentrepreneurship by serving as a resource for learning through innovative, interactive, and inspiring programs.
Our Commitment
The Dr Pepper Museum is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in our operations as expressed through our governance, programs, and exhibitions as we advance our mission and core values.
Core Values
Integrity
We will be honest and serve our visitors, customers, community, and staff with impeccable service, respect, and care.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
We will provide inspiring, educational, and enjoyable programs and exhibitions that showcase the economic and societal value of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the free market system.
Historical Significance
We will honor our history as being significant to our future mission, goals, and objectives.
Future Museum Visitors
We recognize that many of our guests are first time museum visitors, and we will strive to create diverse experiences that make them comfortable and interested in visiting other museums.
Family Fun
We will provide education all the family can enjoy and remember for a lifetime.
Inclusivity
We will strive for quality, excellence, and accuracy in interpretation by presenting balanced views and providing accessible and inclusive programs and exhibitions that foster community pride and a greater understanding of Dr Pepper’s role in the soft drink industry.
Facilities
The Dr Pepper Museum includes the original 1906 bottling plant, the historic Kellum-Rotan building, a courtyard that connects the two buildings, and two dedicated parking lots. The Kellum-Rotan building was built in the 1880s, making it one of the oldest buildings remaining in downtown Waco. Both the Dr Pepper Museum and the Kellum-Rotan building are excellent examples of important American architecture and accurately preserved structures.
The Collections
The Dr Pepper Museum holds one of the finest collections of soft drink memorabilia in the world. The items are not just Dr Pepper-related. All soft drink brands are welcome at the Dr Pepper Museum! From Pepsi-Cola to Kickapoo Joy Juice, the collections are a resource for information about the entire soft drink industry. The Dunagan Archives, soft drink related publications, audio-visual media, both the Dr Pepper Company and Dr Pepper Museum annals, and numerous original photographs are contained in the archival collections. The Dr Pepper Museum is frequently called upon to open the collections and archives to academic research, the motion picture and television industry, exhibition and graphic designers, and other museums making it a treasured public resource.
About Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper is a native of Waco, Texas, and the oldest major soft drink in America. It was created by Dr. Charles Alderton at the Old Corner Drug Store in 1885, predating Coca-Cola by one year. From “Vim, Vigor, and Vitality,” “Drink a Bite to Eat at 10, 2 and 4,” “I’m a Pepper” to “Just What the Doctor Ordered,” Dr Pepper’s slogans over the years have made it one of the most unique success stories of American free enterprise. The values of innovation and quality have consistently guided the Dr Pepper business, allowing this small, regional soft drink to attain international success without compromising the history that makes Dr Pepper so special. The Dr Pepper Museum is not owned or operated by Keurig Dr Pepper (the parent company of Dr Pepper) but is grateful for their continuing support.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of soft drinks, particularly Dr Pepper and its rich history, I'm thrilled to delve into the fascinating details of the Dr Pepper Museum. My extensive knowledge stems from a deep passion for this iconic beverage and its evolution over the years.
Let's start by exploring the inception of the Dr Pepper Museum. The Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company, erected in 1906 by architect Milton Scott, marked the pioneering venture dedicated to the production of Dr Pepper. The museum itself came into being in 1989, transforming the original bottling plant into a tribute to the imagination and talent that propelled Dr Pepper's success.
The mission of the Dr Pepper Museum is threefold: to educate, inspire, and entertain by sharing the stories of Dr Pepper and the soft drink industry. This commitment is reflected in their vision, which positions the museum as a leader devoted to narrating the tale of Dr Pepper, the soft drink industry, and entrepreneurship through innovative and interactive programs.
Integral to the museum's operations are its core values, including integrity, entrepreneurship, innovation, historical significance, family fun, and inclusivity. These values guide the museum in providing impeccable service, showcasing the economic and societal value of entrepreneurship, and honoring its history as a crucial element in its future mission.
The facilities of the Dr Pepper Museum encompass the original 1906 bottling plant, the historic Kellum-Rotan building from the 1880s, a connecting courtyard, and dedicated parking lots. Not only are these structures examples of important American architecture, but they also house one of the world's finest collections of soft drink memorabilia.
Speaking of collections, the Dr Pepper Museum is a treasure trove for enthusiasts and researchers alike. Holding an extensive array of soft drink memorabilia from various brands, it includes the Dunagan Archives, soft drink-related publications, audio-visual media, and original photographs. The museum actively collaborates with academic researchers, the entertainment industry, exhibition designers, and other museums, positioning itself as a valuable public resource.
Finally, let's touch upon the roots of Dr Pepper itself. Originating in Waco, Texas, in 1885, Dr Pepper is the oldest major soft drink in America, predating even Coca-Cola by a year. The brand's slogans, from "Vim, Vigor, and Vitality" to "I'm a Pepper," reflect its unique success story in American free enterprise.
It's crucial to note that the Dr Pepper Museum operates independently of Keurig Dr Pepper, the parent company, but acknowledges and appreciates their ongoing support.
For those eager to learn more about this captivating journey, the Dr Pepper Museum stands as a beacon of historical significance, welcoming all to explore the legacy of this beloved soft drink and the industry it has shaped.
