The mission of the Metal Museum is to preserve, promote, and advance the art and craft of fine metalwork. As the only institution of its kind, the Museum leads the way in celebrating and promoting the field.

The Museum achieves its mission through four program areas: rotating exhibitions of historic and contemporary metalwork; the Permanent Collection of objects, books, folios, and archives; the Metals Studios—blacksmith shop, foundry, fine metals lab, and design lab—that provide opportunities for metalsmiths through artistic creation; and education and engagement programs for learners of all ages. This broad yet dedicated focus attracts visitors, artists, and patrons from all fifty states and around the globe. Thousands more are served during off-site programs and community events through the Mini Mobile Metal Museum.

Tremendous growth over the past decade has led the Museum to outgrow its downtown Memphis home. It is converting an award-winning mid-century building into a state-of-the-art museum and education center, with expanded studios, classrooms, galleries, and collections storage. The Metal Museum in Overton Park will welcome triple the number of annual visitors and solidify the Museum’s role as the global leader in preserving and promoting fine metalwork.