Our Visit to the National Ornamental Metal Museum
During our last long trip, we had a few extra days near Memphis, Tennessee. While searching for something unique and different to see, I found the National Ornamental Metal Museum. It was art, it was design, and it was close by.
We both enjoy museums but Tom wasn’t quite as excited about this one as I was. However, with a promise that a Sun Studio tour would follow, we headed to the museum.
The Main Building, adjacent the entrance gate, houses exhibits and a gift shop. It is the starting place for your tour of the property.
Location:
374 Metal Museum Drive
Memphis, TN 38106
Contact:
(901) 774-6380
Hours:
11 AM - 5 PM, Tue-Sun
Fees:
$8 Adults
$6 Senior 62+
$5 Military
$5 Student w/ID
$4 Child 5-17
Website:
MetalMuseum.org
Our favorite piece in the "Held" exhibit in the main building during our visit. The look on the rabbit's face as well as the form—all made from metal—is stunning.
See the Exhibitions and Collections
The Main Building is your starting point. After entering the gate, you’ll need to stop here for your visitor’s pass.
Here, you will find two different galleries holding the rotating exhibits. The work may be by either Master Metalsmiths or emerging artists. Either way, it is fascinating.
Coupled with the galleries is a gift shop selling handcrafted items by artists across North America.
Close up of Kim Cridler's "Pail with Fish" made from steel, cast bronze, mother of pearl, and silver.
Exhibitions
In 1983, the museum began showing solo exhibitions. The Master Metalsmith Series honors influential artists of our time.
One of the master metalsmiths, Kim Cridler, had her “Held” exhibit showing while we were there.
The exhibits change regularly, so check the schedule HERE for current showing.
Collections
The Metal Museum has a broad collection of more than 3,000 pieces that includes:
- contemporary jewelry and sculpture
- historic objects
- creative process drawings, photos, and slides
You will find the collections in the Library + Learning Space building.
An 18th century Italian baptismal font inspired this steel, lead, and gold leaf design. Originally planned for his home in Hawaii, the artist gifted the door to the museum. The door won 1st prize in the 1980 National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association conference.
Close up of door in the museum collection. I marvel at how a piece of metal can be bent, pounded, and shaped to create such artistic pieces.
Tools used to create metalwork sit among unique and varied pieces created at the foundry.
Enjoy the Amazing Demonstrations
If you enjoy watching how stuff is made, this is the place to be. The museum offers a 30-minute demonstration in the Foundry and also in the Blacksmith’s Shop.
Take note—they are only given one time, on the weekend, back-to-back, in the middle of the day. Plan your trip accordingly. The demos were the highlight of our visit and super interesting so you’ll want to see both.
1 - Created design placed in the mold, then packed with green sand.
2 - Video shows liquid metal being poured into the molds.
The Foundry
The Foundry has melt furnaces, a kiln, and molding equipment. We watched them pack a design in the mold, pour melted metal into the mold, cool and unpack the molded metal.
Since we were some of the 1st to arrive, we enjoyed front row seats as the artists explained the entire process.
3 - Bottom section of mold removed shows design.
4 - Metalwork removed from mold. Notice the "trumpet" piece. This is from the "pour funnel" and will be taken off during finishing.
We watched this piece being made. Once a straight piece of iron, it became a wall-mounted coat hook. (FYI…we ended up getting to take this one home!)
Blacksmith's Shop
The Blacksmith’s Shop is fully operational with metalsmith artists working here every day.
The artists not only do the demos, they also teach classes and complete work-for-hire.
Signs on display show blacksmithing history. Additionally, they show tools and machinery used plus the forging process.
It was fascinating to watch them twist and turn, heat and hammer a square piece of iron into something useful.
The Riverbluff Pavilion faces the Mississippi River. Major cast iron pieces used to build it came from urban renewal salvage. They were once part of a building which stood on Memphis' Historic Beale Street in the mid-1800’s.
Walk the Museum Property
The 3.2-acre property has a large, open grassy area with paths connecting each building. There are 20+ sculptures around the garden and plenty of areas to sit and relax.
We rested on one of the benches by the pavilion. It has a clear view of the Mississippi riverfront.
View of the Mississippi River from the Pavilion.
A section of cast iron fence is on display near the foundry and blacksmith's shop. Cast circa 1850, the title is simply "Cornstalk Fence."
Other Stuff at the Museum
Located south of downtown, Memphis’ hidden gem, offers workshops all year long. Depending on the season, some are holiday-centered. By the way, some classes are kid-friendly. (Check out the website for the classes.)
The National Ornamental Metal Museum sits in an historic area of town. Parking is on the street outside the gate. Also, there is a large park across the street you can enjoy. (FYI...they were setting up for a wedding near the pavilion while we were there.)
Want to try your hand at metal work? This is the place. Experts will guide you. Exhibits will inspire you. Give it a shot next time you are anywhere near Memphis.
The Library + Learning Space building houses many of the museum's collections.
National Ornamental Metal Museum History
It was 1975 when an idea for a museum dedicated to metalwork launched at a Metals Association conference.
Historic property found in West Tennessee became home to the non-profit group. After renovating a couple of buildings, the National Ornamental Metal Museum opened to the public in 1979.
Since opening, the museum size increased with the addition of the blacksmith shop, foundry, and pavilion. Renovation of three additional historic buildings also expanded the property’s offerings.
Today, the museum is a dedicated center for metal arts, promoting advancement of the industry.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
