For any true Dr Pepper aficionado, the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, Texas, is a pilgrimage. But what if you could leave an indelible mark on this beloved institution, a permanent testament to your devotion to "the one you can't describe"? You can! The Dr Pepper Museum offers a unique "Buy a Brick" program, allowing fans to engrave a personalized brick and have it installed in the museum's courtyard. It's a fantastic way to support a worthy non-profit and forever cement your place in Dr Pepper history.
Ready to make your mark? Let's dive in!
Leaving Your Legacy: How to Get a Brick at the Dr Pepper Museum
Step 1: Feel the Fizz and Decide to Donate!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, take a moment. Close your eyes. Can you almost taste that unique 23-flavor blend? That tingly carbonation? If that thought brings a smile to your face, then you're already in the right mindset! Deciding to purchase a brick isn't just about getting your name on something; it's about contributing to the preservation of a significant piece of American history and a beloved brand.
Why donate? Your contribution directly supports the Dr Pepper Museum's mission to preserve the history of Dr Pepper and the free enterprise system. This means maintaining the historic Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building, renovating collections storage, and continuing educational initiatives that keep the museum "popping" with energy and delight. Plus, these donations are often tax-deductible (consult your tax professional for details!).
Step 2: Choose Your Brick Size and Style
The Dr Pepper Museum offers a couple of options to fit your preference and budget. This is where you decide how big of a splash you want to make!
Sub-heading: Brick Sizes Available
4" x 8" Brick: This is the standard size and a popular choice. It's a fantastic way to get your name or a short message permanently installed.
Cost: Currently, a 4" x 8" brick costs $150.
8" x 8" Brick: If you have a bit more to say or want a more prominent display, the larger 8" x 8" brick offers more space.
Cost: The 8" x 8" brick is priced at $325.
Sub-heading: Adding a Logo (Optional)
For an extra touch of Dr Pepper flair, you also have the option to include a logo on your brick! This typically features the classic Dr Pepper logo.
Cost with Logo:
4" x 8" Brick with logo: $200
8" x 8" Brick with logo: $375
Step 3: Craft Your Message: What Will Your Brick Say?
This is where your creativity comes into play! What do you want to be forever etched into the Dr Pepper Museum courtyard?
Sub-heading: Engraving Guidelines
Uppercase Letters Only: All engravings will be displayed in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Keep this in mind when planning your message.
Character Limits:
For a 4" x 8" brick: You typically have three lines of text, with up to 18 characters per line.
For an 8" x 8" brick: You get more space, usually six lines of text, with up to 18 characters per line.
Allowed Characters: You can use any standard keyboard characters (letters, numbers, special characters, and punctuation marks). No icons, logos, or images of any kind can be etched onto the bricks (unless you've paid for the official logo option).
Content Approval: The message must be deemed appropriate for public display. The Dr Pepper Museum has final approval on all engravings, so keep it family-friendly and respectful!
Pro-Tip: Remember that "Dr Pepper" does not have a period after "Dr" in its official branding. If you include it, that will count as an extra character! You can also use "&" instead of "and" to save space if needed.
Sub-heading: Ideas for Your Engraving
Your Name: Simple and classic! "THE SMITH FAMILY" or "JOHN DOE"
A Special Date: Commemorate an anniversary, birthday, or a memorable visit. "EST. 2025" or "OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY"
A Tribute: Honor a loved one, a mentor, or even a pet. "IN LOVING MEMORY OF [NAME]" or "FOR MY GRANDPA, A TRUE PEPPER"
A Catchphrase: Something short and sweet related to Dr Pepper! "IT'S THE SWEET ONE" or "I'M A PEPPER!"
A Combination: Mix and match! "THE MILLER FAMILY / WACO, TX 2025"
Step 4: Purchase Your Brick Online
The easiest and most common way to purchase your personalized brick is through the Dr Pepper Museum's official online donor site.
Sub-heading: The Online Order Process
Visit the Website: Navigate to the "Bricks Campaign" section on the Dr Pepper Museum website.
Select Your Brick: Choose your desired brick size (4x8 or 8x8) and whether you want to include a logo.
Enter Your Engraving: Carefully fill out the text fields for each line of your inscription. Double-check for typos!
Add to Cart: Once your customization is complete, add the brick to your shopping cart. If you want to purchase multiple customized bricks, add each one individually to avoid duplication issues.
Proceed to Checkout: Follow the prompts to enter your billing and payment information.
Payment Method: Credit card is typically the only accepted payment option for online orders.
Confirmation: After completing your purchase, you should receive a confirmation email. Keep this for your records!
Step 5: The "Lay Your Legacy Brick Experience" (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)
This is truly the cherry on top for any Dr Pepper enthusiast! Starting in October 2024, the Dr Pepper Museum began offering a unique "Lay Your Legacy Brick Experience" for an additional fee.
Sub-heading: What the Experience Includes
For $100, this experience offers:
Admission for Two: Bring a friend or loved one to share the moment.
Two Bottles of Dr Pepper: Naturally, you'll need some refreshment for this momentous occasion!
Personal Brick Placement: The incredible opportunity to personally place your engraved brick into the courtyard paving. Imagine yourself, trowel in hand, contributing directly to the museum's physical structure!
Photo Opportunity: A special photo op to capture this memorable experience and show off your contribution.
Sub-heading: How to Schedule Your Experience
Prerequisites: Your brick must have already been received by the museum from the production company. This means there will be a waiting period after your initial brick purchase.
Contact the Museum: To reserve your spot, you'll need to email the museum directly at pr@drpeppermuseum.com.
Advance Notice: This experience must be scheduled at least three days in advance.
Availability: While the museum will do its best to accommodate your preferred time, availability may be limited, so be flexible!
Re-laying Option: Even if your brick is already installed, the museum can pull it up for you to lay again as part of this experience.
Step 6: Installation and Finding Your Brick
Once your brick has been ordered and engraved, it will be installed in the museum courtyard.
Sub-heading: Installation Timeline
The Dr Pepper Museum typically installs bricks in phases. They aim to provide updates via email regarding installation timelines.
There may be a delay between your purchase and installation, as the museum accumulates enough brick requests to place orders with their supplier. They typically arrange at least one installation each year, sometimes two.
You will receive an email notification once your brick has been installed.
Sub-heading: Locating Your Brick
No Guaranteed Placement: The museum cannot guarantee specific positioning of bricks before installation. If you purchase multiple bricks or want yours placed near a friend's, they will do their best, but it's not guaranteed.
Photo Confirmation: After installation, you will receive a photo in an email to help you find your brick in the courtyard.
Visit the Museum! The best way to see your brick is to visit the Dr Pepper Museum in person in Waco, Texas. Enjoy exploring the exhibits, sipping a cold Dr Pepper, and then proudly locating your very own piece of Dr Pepper history!
Congratulations! You've officially left your mark on a piece of American beverage history. Every time you (or anyone) walks across that courtyard, your contribution helps keep the Dr Pepper Museum thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose the right brick size for my message?
The 4" x 8" brick is suitable for shorter messages (3 lines, 18 characters each), while the 8" x 8" brick provides more space for longer inscriptions (6 lines, 18 characters each). Consider the length and complexity of your desired message when making your choice.
How to ensure my brick message is approved?
Keep your message family-friendly, respectful, and free of offensive language or inappropriate content. The Dr Pepper Museum has final approval, so adhering to general good taste will help ensure your message is accepted.
How to include the official Dr Pepper logo on my brick?
When purchasing your brick online, select the option that specifies "with logo." This will incur an additional cost but will allow the official Dr Pepper logo to be etched onto your brick.
How to schedule the "Lay Your Legacy Brick Experience"?
Once you've purchased your brick and received confirmation that it's been produced, email pr@drpeppermuseum.com at least three days in advance to schedule your experience.
How to find my brick after it's installed?
The museum will send you an email with a photo of your installed brick to help you locate it. While specific placement isn't guaranteed, this photo will guide you during your visit.
How to get a duplicate brick for my home?
The Dr Pepper Museum offers "Donor Bricks" (exact duplicates with felt backing) and smaller "Souvenir Bricks" for purchase as keepsakes. These can be ordered through their online donor site.
How to pay for my Dr Pepper Museum brick?
Online purchases typically require a credit card. Check the museum's online donor portal for any other accepted payment methods.
How to know when my brick will be installed?
The museum installs bricks in phases throughout the year. They will notify you via email when your brick has been received from production and when it is installed.
How to make sure my donation is tax-deductible?
Donations to the Dr Pepper Museum through the brick campaign are generally tax-deductible, with the exception of souvenir bricks. It's always best to consult with a tax professional for personalized advice.
How to contact the Dr Pepper Museum for more assistance?
If you have further questions or need help with your brick purchase, you can contact the Dr Pepper Museum directly via email at pr@drpeppermuseum.com or by calling their main line (check their website for the most current contact number).
