New York's Museum of Pizza Angers Neapolitans

The Museum of Pizza (MoPi), a pop-up experiential museum dedicated to pizza, will open in New York from October 13 to 28, 2018, at a secret location. Organized by Brooklyn-based design studio Nameless Network, the museum features an art gallery, a cheese grotto, a pizza beach, film screenings, and other activities. Tickets cost $35, including a slice of pizza, with a portion donated to provide meals for needy families. CEO Kareem Rahma called pizza a cultural phenomenon transcending geography and language. The announcement sparked controversy in Naples, where pizza originated and was recognized by UNESCO. Pizzaiolo Gino Sorbillo expressed dismay, arguing the museum should be in Naples, where pizza was born. He noted that Neapolitan emigrants brought pizza to America. Sergio Miccù, president of the Neapolitan Pizzaioli Association, countered that a Pizza Museum has existed in Naples since 2012, hosted by the Fondazione Mediterraneo, and is now itinerant, appearing at the Tuttopizza fair at Mostra d'Oltremare from May 21 to 23.