About Us

The National Ornamental Metal Museum is the only institution in the United States devoted exclusively to the preservation and promotion of fine metalwork. Unlike ordinary museums, it isn’t just a place where art is displayed; it’s a place where art is made. At the Metal Museum you can see works of art, see artists work, learn the craft and craft the art.

History

In 1975, at the National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA) conference in Atlanta, GA, members of the Memphis Chapter proposed an industry museum. A year later, a charter and bylaws were filed in the State of Tennessee and the dream that was to become the National Ornamental Metal Museum took life.

The Metal Museum is located on a 3.2 acre site overlooking the Mississippi River just south of downtown Memphis. The property, which includes three historic buildings, had been part of a public health service hospital. When the hospital closed in the mid-1960s, it was deeded to the City of Memphis through the Heritage and Conservation Act. As a non-profit organization with an educational focus, the Metal Museum met the usage requirements and a five-year lease was obtained in July 1976. Two years later, renovation of two buildings began and the Metal Museum opened to the public on February 5, 1979.

Since that time, over $2.5 million dollars have gone into developing the property, construction of the Schering-Plough Smithy, the Lawler Foundry, the conservation lab and the newly completed Library and the installation of a gazebo. This figure does not include countless hours of volunteer labor and contributed goods and services. In 1992, the City awarded the Metal Museum a twenty-five year renewable lease.

For nearly thirty years, the Metal Museum was lead by a blacksmith and artist, who by default was also an administrator, curator, mechanic, plumber and reluctant fund-raiser. Under James Wallace’s leadership, the three ramshackle buildings on the site have become a residence, housing visiting artists, a museum and a library. The success of the Metal Museum is due in large part to his perseverance and the community of artists and patrons he gathered around him. At the end of 2007, after completing the renovation of the third and final building, he retired to focus on his own work.

Mission

The Metal Museum is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the art and craft of fine metalwork. All aspects of metals from ecclesiastic or ritual objects to architectural and public art pieces are embraced. The Museum believes that all decorative metals should enhance or improve our living environment. Those efforts are achieved through exhibitions, conservation, restoration and consulting services, classes, internship opportunities and research. The Museum serves the nationwide community of metalsmiths and, because of its location, the Greater Memphis Community.

The Metal Museum is funded through the generosity of our members and donors and through ArtsMemphis, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Keeler Family.