News Summary
The Metal Museum in Memphis has received $2 million from the State of Tennessee, boosting its total funding to $28.5 million for a $35 million capital campaign. This funding is a significant step towards the museum’s planned relocation to the former Memphis College of Art building. The move aims to enhance exhibition capacity and educational offerings, showcasing Memphis’s commitment to preserving metalwork culture. Mayor Paul Young calls the museum a cultural gem, promising increased training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Memphis – The Metal Museum has secured $2 million in funding from the State of Tennessee as part of its ambitious $35 million capital campaign. This financial support significantly boosts the total funding for the museum, bringing it to $28.5 million and marking a crucial step towards its planned relocation to the former Memphis College of Art building in Overton Park by 2026.
The additional funding will enable the Metal Museum to enhance its exhibition capacity and expand its educational offerings significantly. The planned move is designed to provide a larger space that will not only allow for an increased number of exhibitions but also improve programming aimed at artists, students, and the wider community. This expansion is expected to create training and apprenticeship opportunities, fostering careers in metalworking and related trades.
City leader, Mayor Paul Young, emphasized the Metal Museum’s importance to Memphis, referring to it as a “cultural gem.” The museum’s relocation is anticipated to elevate its local and national visibility as the only institution exclusively devoted to the art and history of metalwork. The enhancement of facilities is viewed as essential to fulfilling the museum’s mission and vision.
The Metal Museum has been a notable fixture in Memphis since its inception in 1979, showcasing the art, craft, and history of metalwork. Currently, the museum includes operational features such as a foundry, a smithy, and weekend blacksmithing demonstrations. The permanent collection presents a wide range of metal objects including jewelry, sculptures, and functional art, reflecting the diverse applications of metal in creative expression.
Visitors to the museum can also enjoy an accessible building that has undergone significant renovations to improve visitor experience. Admission to the museum is priced at $8, with complimentary entry for Tennessee residents every Thursday, making it an inclusive experience for both locals and tourists.
The funding milestone achieved by the Metal Museum is seen as an important advancement for the organization, aiding in the continuation of its work and reinforcing its role in the creative economy of Memphis. With the successful campaign and planned relocation, the Metal Museum aims to strengthen its impact on the community and continue fostering appreciation for the art of metalwork.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Metal Museum
- Daily Memphian
- Google Search: Metal Museum Memphis
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Google Scholar: Metal Museum
- Garden & Gun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis
- Memphis Magazine
- Google News: Memphis news
