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Metal Museum outlines $35 million expansion into Overton Park; vows stronger workforce pathways
Summary
The Metal Museum told council committees it is renovating the former Memphis College of Art building in Overton Park, has raised $23 million toward a $35 million campaign, and said the new facility will expand education, apprenticeships and welding certification pathways for Memphis youth.
Representatives of the Metal Museum (presented as the Metal Museum in testimony) briefed City Council committees Jan. 21 on plans to renovate the former Memphis College of Art building in Overton Park and to relocate core public programming there.
Carissa Husong (presenting) and Missy Seung described a $35 million capital campaign to renovate the midcentury building and expand gallery and education space, workforce programs and accessibility. The museum reported it had raised more than $23 million to date and expected to use about $2–2.5 million in historic tax credits as part of the project. Substantial completion was slated for April 2026 with a public opening in September 2026.
The museum said the Overton Park location will include exhibition galleries, studios, a 350-seat auditorium and metalworking facilities designed so visitors can view artists working without entering production areas. Staff said existing artist-residency and studios at the current location near Frayser/French Fort will remain open and the school-related studio programs will move to Overton Park for public-facing activity. The museum said the new site will increase accessibility by foot, bike and bus and permit a broader slate of education and apprenticeship offerings.
Museum staff outlined education programs already operating: Forging the Future, an after-school partnership that includes welding training and a pathway to MorTec certification; the M4 mobile metal museum used for community outreach; and partnerships with Knowledge Quest and MoreTec to provide students with certified welding training and credit. Museum leaders said some students who previously completed Forging the Future have gone on to finish welding certification and volunteer with the museum.
Council members welcomed the plan and asked about retaining artist studios at the current site and about how the museum tracks outcomes from youth programs. Museum staff said the old campus will continue as an artist-in-residence location and be available for rentals, while Overton Park will house the primary visitor, exhibition and education functions. Staff said they partner with Knowledge Quest and MoreTec to track student progress and that the new Overton Park site will allow the museum to broaden internship and apprenticeship opportunities because of improved access.
Ending — Museum leaders invited council members to schedule hard-hat tours and thanked several council members for prior support; they asked continued help to reach the remaining fundraising goal.
