Rust Hall

History of Rust Hall: 

The metal museum was originally a hospital aimed at helping Civil War patients; however, it was also used as a scientific research center to explore cures for yellow fever. However, in the 1960s, it closed and was given to the city of Memphis. In 1977, Jim Wallace was hired to oversee the estate and make it into a metal museum. Around $2.5 million went into creating the blacksmith's shop, the Lawler Foundry; and the repair and restoration lab; constructing a gazebo; and restoring the library. In 2001, he retired. Yet, in 2002, a lease was signed to the site of the former Memphis College of Art.