ABOUT

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Metal Museum is to preserve, promote, and advance the art and craft of fine metalwork.
 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

As the only institution of its kind in North America, and one of only a few in the world devoted exclusively to metalwork, the Metal Museum leads the way in the celebration, recognition, and promotion of the field of fine metalwork. 

 

The Metal Museum achieves its mission through four interrelated programming areas - rotating exhibitions of historic and contemporary metalwork; the Permanent Collection of objects, books, folios, and archives; the Metals Studios comprised of a Blacksmith Shop, Foundry, small metals lab, and design lab that provide educational opportunities for metalsmiths through artistic creation; and vibrant community education and engagement programming for learners of all ages. This broad, yet dedicated, focus attracts visitors, artists, and patrons from all 50 states and from across the globe to the Museum each year. Thousands more are served during off-site programming and community events across Shelby County through the Mini Mobile Metal Museum.

​

The Metal Museum has established itself as the center for metal arts – a place that promotes artists and their work through award-winning exhibitions and a dynamic permanent collection, contributes to teaching the next generation of artists through its Metals Studios, and advances the education of the public through innovative community engagement activities. 

 

As a private, nonprofit museum, the Metal Museum receives no ongoing government funding. Approximately 45% of the Museum’s income is from earned revenue activities such as commissions, Museum Store purchases, class and event fees, rentals fees, and admissions. The remaining income is received from the Museum’s endowments (about 5% annually) and the generosity of the Museum’s donors and members.