Originally created by Austrian Eduard Hass in 1927 as a mint for people trying to quit smoking, Pez is the abbreviation of the German world pfefferminz, or peppermint. Although the inspiration of putting the plastic noggins of numerous cartoon characters, celebrities and animals on a plastic dispenser isn’t clear, the Museum of Pez has stockpiled almost every version ever made – just in case. Included in Haas’ collection is a rare 1952 Mickey Mouse and the Mr. Potato Head character dispenser, later recalled because its small parts were considered a choking hazard. Other unique pieces include boxes of Pez vitamins from Holland and the pre-World War II “Spezial” Pez tin.

Admission is free

burlingamepezmuseum.com