Sloss Furnaces
Birmingham, AL
Sloss Metal Arts
Since initiating the metal arts program in 1985, Sloss has offered workshops, exhibitions, and conferences on all aspects of metal working—forging, fabricating and casting—but focuses primarily on the use of cast iron as a sculpture medium. Sloss hosted the First and Second International Conferences on Contemporary Cast Iron Art in 1988 and 1994 and continues to organize the biennial National Conference on Cast Iron Art. Open studios give a regional audience of professional artists access to the foundry facilities needed to cast their own work, while regular sculpture workshops in casting, welding and forging are designed for people with no metalwork experience.
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Sloss Furnaces was once the largest manufacturer of pig iron in the world. It stands today just as it did in the late 19th century — a monument to the Industrial Revolution. With its web of pipes and towering stoves, this unique National Historic Landmark provides visitors a glimpse into Birmingham’s rich industrial heritage. It stands with pride and is a symbol of where the “Magic” began for Birmingham.
Sloss Furnaces operated from 1882-1970 making it the longest continually running blast furnace in Birmingham’s history. We invite you to come visit and learn about the materials, the process, the products, and the people who ran the furnaces and built this city. Today, iron is still poured through the Metal Arts Program housed within the historic structures keeping the tradition and history alive.
For more info on the Sloss Museum visit www.slossfurnaces.com
