Visitors of all ages will enjoy viewing this Memphis metal museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibits. There is also a growing outdoor sculpture garden featuring works by internationally recognized metalsmiths. In the Museum Store, you can shop for items unique to the National Ornamental Museum.
National Ornamental Metal Museum Permanent Collection
Explore the Museum’s permanent collection on display in the Library and Galleries building showcasing a range of metalwork including Renaissance-era door knockers, hand-forged wrought iron farm tools, contemporary hollowware and sculptures created by artist blacksmiths. Five themed exhibits feature works from the permanent collection and include What Function? New Forms, Integrity and Innovation in the Early 20th Century, A Sublime Moment, Frozen: John Marshall’s work from 1977-1983, A Metalsmith’s Menagerie and Beauty in the Boundary. In addition you will find artwork from the collection also on display throughout the Library and Galleries building.
Highlights from the National Ornamental Metal Museum’s Permanent Collection
The Dorothy Sturm Enamels
The core of the Dorothy Sturm Enamels Gallery is comprised of works crafted by Dorothy Sturm. Remember this celebrated artists whose works have been exhibited in museums and galleries across the world including the Museum of Contemporary Crafts, the Whitney Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Sturm’s works have also been featured in the American Embassy and the Salle Franklin in France.
The Herbert P. MacNeal Collection
Gifted to the Museum by Mrs. Ethel MacNeal, the Herbert P. MacNeal Collection represents years of Dr. MacNeal’s travels and fascination with treasure chests. During his European travels MacNeal frequently visited Bara, of the west coast of Scotland in search of exotic chests and locks.
The JG Braun Collection
See pieces from Jacob G Braun’s ornamental metals business established in Chicago in 1887. After immigrating to America from Germany in the late 1800s, Jacob G Braun opened his ornamental metals business which flourished throughout the 20th century. However, with the advent of World War II, the public soon turned against companies with German roots and ornamental iron fell out of favor as resources were diverted to support the war effort. A false wall was built in one of Braun’s warehouses to preserve his decorative ironwork. Years later the warehouse was torn down and some of the stockpile discovered is now included in the National Ornamental Metal Museum’s holdings.
Sculpture Garden
Be sure to visit the Museum’s growing outdoor sculpture garden featuring work by internationally recognized metalsmiths from the Artist Blacksmith’s Associations of North America and Great Britain. Additional works in the Sculpture Garden have been donated by the makers or purchased as gifts for the Museum by individuals and corporations.
Stop by the Museum Store featuring a wide selection of one-of-a-kind and limited edition creations made by talented artists from across the country. Among the items available to purchase are metal in functional and decorative jewelry, hollowware and sculptures.
Travel Tip
- In addition to its permanent collection on display in the Library and Gallery building, the National Ornamental Museum hosts nine to twelve temporary exhibitions each year, each of national or international significance.