Arizona - Copper Art Museum

 

The Arizona Copper Art Museum is in the old Clarkdale High School, a block and a half from where we are staying.

The second day we were here we noticed it, walking around while our clothes were washing at the laundromat

but we just got around to going in.

1958  The Spark

The Arizona Copper Art  Museum originated from a simple spark.  In 1958,  John and Patricia Meinke of Minnesota saw in an antique shop several copper molds that captivated them.  Later, Pat opened a small antique shop and kickstarted today's massive collection displayed in this museum.

 1970-2003  Copper Dealer

The shop eventually closed in favor of selling copperware at antique shows, primarily in large cities throughout the U.S.A.; copper items were mostly obtained in Europe.  In 1978, their son, Drake, joined the business and started his collection.  

2000  Thoughts of a Museum

 Over the years, both collections grew in size and prominence, and the family envisioned sharing these acquisitions with the public.  A museum concept then evolved with a focus on connecting to an appropriate community with a foundation built around copper.  Thus, the artifacts would make a nostalgic impact, and a significant museum would be realized. 

​2002 Museum Establishment

The founders, Pat and Drake, then contributed all resources necessary for the museum’s establishment.  The two existing collections and the idea provided the basis of the museum. From the museum website.

Clarkdale was chosen for the location and the museum opened in 2012.

 

There are also some decorative pieces from the, now destroyed, Clark Mansion

like this fireplace. Each of the rooms is also labelled as to what its function was when the building was a school.

There is plenty of information about copper in general and the history of the mining, production and working of copper

but the main focus is

the vast collection of copper and brass artifacts

from all over the world and

from many different times.

The collection is roughly divided according to purpose -

architectural,

playful,

personal, decorative, armament, drink ware (steins, goblets etc)

kitchen ware (this collection was huge

with jelly molds, jugs, storage and cook ware, stoves)

and then just random other pieces like this model of a boat clad in copper sheets.

It was an interesting way to spend one of our "non hiking" afternoons. It is open all the time and although not crowded seems to have a steady flow of visitors. The website indicates that it is one of the top attractions in Arizona and one of the top museums in the United States but my google search did not confirm that.