Dane County: Economic development loan to assist new National Mustard Museum

Contact: Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606

A $200,000 loan from the Dane County Revolving Loan Fund will help the new National Mustard Museum in Middleton go from a local treasure to a national attraction, County Executive Kathleen Falk announced today. Falk was joined at a press conference today announcing the county economic development loan by Middleton Mayor Kurt Sonnentag and Museum founder Barry Levenson.

“Dane County is proud to partner with the New National Mustard Museum to bring more jobs and many new tourism dollars to Middleton,” County Executive Falk said. “This bigger and better museum will be one statewide attraction that really cuts the mustard!”

The Mustard Museum’s move to Middleton and subsequent expansion is expected to create eight more jobs than the Museum had in Mount Horeb. Pending final approval by the county board tonight, the $200,000 loan will help the Museum with its expansion. The loan will be paid back over seven years at an interest rate of 5.25%.

Founded in 1992 by “Chief Mustard Officer” Barry Levenson, the new Mustard Museum in Middleton features interactive displays that teaches the curious everything they ever wanted to know about the prized condiment and a new demonstration kitchen where mustard lovers and others can learn a million and one new recipes that call for, you got it, mustard. The increased space also includes a hot dog and pretzel bar which Levenson assures are “ketchup-free zones.”

“With the opening of the new National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Dane County is now the undisputed center of the mustard universe,” Levenson said. “Sorry, Dijon (France), but this is where mustard lovers will flock.”

The new National Mustard Museum is located in the heart of Middleton at 7477 Hubbard Avenue, at the corner of Hubbard and Parmenter Street at the site of the former antique mall. In addition to providing $50,000 in relocation assistance to the museum, the City of Middleton worked with a developer to renovate the site. The new building was re-constructed using the old bricks and architectural features.

The Mustard Museum is planning a grand opening in the spring to officially unveil its many additions. It is free and open to the public. In addition to over 500 different types of mustard, the new National Mustard Museum has many other gourmet items on sale – – many of which are homegrown in Wisconsin.