Is it a restaurant?
That’s the first question people ask when they hear the name Hall of Breakfast.
There may be some initial disappointment among hungry diners, until they learn that it is actually an interactive pop-up exhibit — open for one month at The Gateway in Salt Lake City — where art, play and the first meal of the day intersect.
“Breakfast represents a fresh start to the day with endless possibilities,” said Sophie Weichers, the exhibit’s project manager and designer. The exhibit celebrates that new beginning and to “wake up your creativity.”
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Riley Gracie poses for Christian Phomsouvanh in the cereal room at Hall of Breakfast, a quirky new art exhibit that celebrates the first meal of the day. The exhibit runs through July 9 at The Gateway.
The bright colors and design also compel guests to take selfies and post on social media using the #hallofbreakfast hashtag.
It’s a Utah-made twist on the popular Museum of Ice Cream, which launched in New York in 2016 and has since traveled to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami.
Still confused? Here are the answers to 10 Hall of Breakfast questions you may have.
What is it? • A fun, quirky art exhibit that celebrates the first meal of the day. Guests walk through a maze of rooms, each one celebrating a favorite breakfast food from eggs and bacon to cereal and coffee. Each section includes activities — climb on a fried egg, ride a bacon slide or swing on a giant pink doughnut with sprinkles. The colorful backdrops are designed for taking photos with your kids or selfies alone or with friends.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Marci Monson throws paper confetti in the cereal room during a visit to Hall of Breakfast, a quirky new art exhibit that celebrates the first meal of the day.
Is there food? • Yes, but not what you think. This is not a restaurant so you won’t be ordering omelettes or French toast. Each room does offers a sweet or savory food sample, made in Utah. Among the small bites are maple bacon cookies from Salt Lake City’s Ruby Snap and cheddar rubbed with coffee and lavender from Beehive Cheese Co. in Uintah.
Who will like it? • Children will enjoy the activities, especially the ball pit in the Fruit Jungle room with 200,000 pink balls; parents will be pleased because they won’t have to say “Don’t touch!”; and — because there is a photo op in every room — Instagrammers and others who like posting on social media will be in heaven.
Is there traditional art? • Yes, look for the various murals on the walls, many hand-painted by Utah artists. Don’t miss the giant beehive crafted from nearly a million coffee beans; or the hot-pink flamingo art in the Fruit Jungle.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Sam Bansasine photographs her daughter Danika Thackin, 6, as she jumps into a "giant neon fruit bowl" filled with balls at the Hall of Breakfast, a quirky new art exhibit that celebrates the first meal of the day.
Are politics involved? • No. But you will be asked to vote for either pancakes or waffles. Election signs with slogans such as “Pancakes Are My Policy” and “Don’t Waffle on Waffles” will help you pick your favorite.
Are there souvenirs? • Doh! Just like Disneyland, the last room in the exhibit is the “local makers” gift shop with all kinds of breakfast-themed items made by Utah companies. Items for sale range from T-shirts and miniature honey-filled bears to handmade soaps shaped like waffles and doughnuts.
Where is it? • The north end of The Gateway in the old Urban Outfitters space near the Union Pacific Depot. Enter near the stairs by the fountain; you’ll exit through a gift shop onto 400 West.
What will I pay? • Adults, $20; children ages 4 to 12, $15; 3 and under free. A portion of each ticket will be donated to the Utah Food Bank. Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://www.showclix.com/event/hall-of-breakfast-saltlake. Time slots are available every 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and for the July 4 holiday. It closes for good July 9.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A beehive, made from 1 million coffee beans, is the centerpiece of the coffee room at Hall of Breakfast, a quirky new art exhibit that celebrates the first meal of the day. Each room of the exhibit celebrates a favorite breakfast food from eggs and bacon to cereal and coffee.
Who created this? • Bigsley Event House, a Utah-based event and design company that also produces The Color Run, a 5K race where runners are doused in various paint colors; and Pumpkin Nights, an all-ages festival featuring 3,000 hand-carved synthetic and real pumpkins.
Is it related to IHOP? • No. It should not be confused with IHOP’s decision to flip the “P” in its logo to a “b.” The International House of Pancakes announced earlier this week that it was temporarily changing its branding to include a “b” — for burgers — to encourage customers to visit for lunch and dinner.
Follow @kathystephenson