Museum Bayerische Metallwarenfabrik

About the museum

The Bayerische Metallwarenfabrik (BMF) was founded in Nuremberg on April 2, 1902, by the friends Hans Wagner and Willy Gundel. The first premises were at Kirchenweg 23 in the St. Johannis district, where three employees worked. In 1903 the first illustrated catalog appeared; its specialty was glass, porcelain and earthenware goods with metal mounts.

Because the building soon became too small for the growing workforce, a modern factory building at Wiesentalstraße 34 was decided on in 1906, and the company moved in in 1908. By then it already had 80 male and female workers and six salaried employees and began doing business abroad; the neighboring property at Steinstraße 21 was added later. The first large product catalog of 1913 made the range of nickel-plated household and tableware the benchmark of the industry.

In 2003 the BMF Museum opened in the former company building. On roughly 250 square meters it shows product designs, catalogs and numerous products, thus documenting the company's history of almost a hundred years as well as the change in taste, design and table culture. In November 2022 it was freshly renovated and reopened in three rooms of the former company building with a few innovations; it also commemorates the work of the owners and managing directors Hans Wagner, Willy Gundel, Max Wagner and Dr. Norbert Streng.

Highlights

• Company history of the Bayerische Metallwarenfabrik, founded in 1902
• Product designs, historical catalogs and design classics
• Development of table culture and taste in the 20th century
• Listed former company building
• Virtual tour online

Permanent exhibition

• Geschichte der Bayerischen Metallwarenfabrik – In three rooms of the former company building, designs, catalogs and products show how design and table culture changed over a century.

Founded

2003

Admission & discounts

Public guided tours: tickets including museum admission are available through Geschichte Für Alle e.V. and on site.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is not barrier-free: there are stairs within the exhibition areas, so a visit is not possible, or only to a limited extent, for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

Children and families are welcome; however, because of the stairs in the exhibition rooms the museum is only partially accessible.

Getting there & parking

Accessible by car and by public transport.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

There are no catering facilities or other visitor services on site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 200 guests.

About 250 square meters, standing reception for up to about 200 people, row seating for about 100; rental from €750, viewing by appointment.

Plan your visit