The Metal Museum is closed August 1st through September 4th. Grand Opening on September 5, 2026.
From the Bluff to the Park: The Metal Museum's Collection Through Time
September 5 - March 21
Second and Third Floor Galleries
Martha Banyas (American, 1944-2023) Winter's Water: Rite of Passage, 2013. Copper, enamel, and wood. Metal Museum Permanent Collection, Gift of Martha Banyas 2023.9.9
Our first major exhibition in the Metal Museum's new home at Overton Park, From the Bluff to the Park: The Metal Museum's Collection Through Time traces the history and evolution of the museums collections, from the Metal Museum's founding in 1979 to its expansion. This exhibition will show early collecting milestones, showcase exceptional work from the collections, and highlight how the collection may grow in the future.
Marilyn da Silva (American, born 1952), Dwelling II, 1994. Steel, pewter, and copper. Metal Museum Permanent Collection, Gift of Marilyn da Silva 1999.7.1
The Museum began collecting works through donations and purchases of art, decorative items, and anything metal-related, especially historic metal. As a result of early collecting practices, the Metal Museum has a robust collection of historical objects, some even dating back to the 1600s. A well-rounded body of historical, utilitarian, and artistic objects ties us to history and helps document how metalsmithing has evolved over time. Together, these objects provide a rich foundation for exhibitions, research, and educational programming.
As the Metal Museum expands into its new campus at Overton Park, opportunities for growth expand as well. Through its collections, the Museum strives to honor history and tradition while celebrating the new, welcoming the future, and pushing the boundaries of the metal arts field. According to the Museum’s founding director, James “Wally” Wallace, the Metal Museum and its collections were built on a lot of luck, countless dedicated people, and a sheer love of the craft — elements that will remain just as essential moving forward.
Denise Wallace (Alutiiq, born 1957), Brooch, about 1990—1999. Sterling silver, and fossilized walrus ivory. Metal Museum Permanent Collections, Gift of Anonymous Donor 2023.23.2a-b
John Marshall (American, born 1936), Silver Bowl with Ladles, 1978. Silver, and acrylic. Metal Museum Permanent Collection, Gift of the Lannan Foundation 1997.3.2
EXHIBITION & PROGRAMMING SUPPORT
Hyde Family Foundation
Windgate Foundation
OPERATING SUPPORT
ARTSmemphis
Tennessee Arts Commission
From the Bluff to the Park: The Metal Museum's Collection Through Time is part of Handwork 2026, Craft in America’s nationwide semiquincentennial collaboration showcasing the importance of the handmade and celebrating the diversity of craft that defines America.
