As the only institution of its kind in North America, and one of only a few in the world devoted exclusively to metalwork, the Metal Museum leads the way in the celebration, recognition, and promotion of the field of fine metalwork. The Metal Museum achieves its mission through four interrelated programming areas – rotating exhibitions of historic and contemporary metalwork; the Permanent Collection of objects, books, folios, and archives; the Metals Studios comprised of a Blacksmith Shop, Foundry, small metals lab, and design lab that provide educational opportunities for metalsmiths through artistic creation; and vibrant community education and engagement programming for learners of all ages. This broad, yet dedicated, focus attracts visitors, artists, and patrons from all 50 states and from across the globe to the Museum each year. Thousands more are served during off-site programming and community events across Shelby County through the Mini Mobile Metal Museum.