The Metal Museum in Memphis is dedicated exclusively to fine metalwork, with exhibitions, a permanent collection, studios and educational programs. At Overton Park, it makes a focused outing for anyone interested in the history and practice of working with metal.
- Location: 1930 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104.
- Typical hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm.
- Demonstrations: Usually Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm, except on workshop days.
- General admission: $10 for adults; other rates and free-admission rules are below.
What to see at The Metal Museum
The Metal Museum brings historic and contemporary metalwork together in exhibitions and a permanent collection. It describes itself as the world’s only museum dedicated exclusively to fine metalwork.
Beyond the collection, the museum has metals studios and offers classes and educational programs. Those activities give the visit a broader focus than looking at finished work alone, with metalworking presented as both a craft and a continuing practice.
Exhibitions and demonstrations
The museum pairs exhibitions with metalworking demonstrations that usually take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 1:00 pm. Demonstrations do not take place on days when a workshop is scheduled, so check the official site before you go.
Non-professional photography is allowed throughout the museum and its grounds. If accessibility is a consideration, contact the museum before visiting to ask about accommodations, including accessible parking and entrances.
Hours, admission and visitor rules
The museum is generally open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and closes on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors age 62 and older, $7 for military visitors and students with ID, and $5 for children ages 5–17. Children age 4 and under and museum members are admitted free.
Tennessee residents receive free admission each Thursday. Visitors age 18 and older need a current Tennessee state-issued photo ID. Visitors under 17 who do not have one must attend with a Tennessee resident who has a valid photo ID. The free Thursday admission does not apply to guided tours.
You can visit the Museum Store without paying admission, but you must check in at an admission desk. Parking throughout Overton Park is limited: follow posted signs and use designated spaces. Availability may be more limited during events and peak visitation.
How do you get to The Metal Museum from West Memphis?
From Arkansas, the museum’s directions describe routes across the Mississippi River into Tennessee. From I-55 North, continue toward Downtown Memphis, take I-240 North toward Midtown, exit onto Union Avenue and turn onto Tucker Street. From I-40 East, exit for Front Street, turn onto Poplar Avenue, then turn onto Tucker Street into Overton Park.
By public transit, MATA Route 50 (Poplar) serves Overton Park between Downtown Memphis and East Memphis. Check MATA for current schedules, stops and service alerts. The museum is also accessible by bicycle through Overton Park and the surrounding bike network, including connections to Midtown neighborhoods, the Hampline and the Shelby Farms Greenline.
Overton Park sidewalks and pedestrian paths provide walking access. Along the park’s south side, a Poplar Avenue sidewalk connects the Tucker Street and Veterans Plaza Drive entrances. Groups arriving by bus or other large vehicles should contact the museum in advance about drop-off and parking.
The Metal Museum is about an 8-minute drive from Deluxe Inn, a motel in West Memphis.
FAQs
What are The Metal Museum’s usual opening hours?
It is generally open Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm, and closes on four major holidays. Check the museum’s official site before your visit for current details.
How much does admission cost?
Adult general admission is $10, with reduced rates for seniors, military visitors, students and children. Children age 4 and under and members enter free.
When are metalworking demonstrations held?
They usually start at 1:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, except when a workshop is taking place.
What can you combine with a museum visit?
The one-day Memphis itinerary from West Memphis offers ideas for pairing the museum with other stops.