World Methodist Museum

The World Methodist Museum tells the story of the Wesleyan movement while providing insight into its spiritual tradition in the context of the larger Christian church.  The Museum at Lake Junaluska houses the largest collection of Wesleyana in the world.  Portraits of early founders of Methodism, Wesleyan Staffordshire pottery, rare books, manuscripts,  the traveling pulpit of John Wesley, and original letters are among the many artifacts that provide the visitor with a glimpse of the Wesleys, the beginning of Methodism in England, and the growing movement in America. 

A special exhibit this year will celebrate the 300th anniversary of Charles Wesley's birth.  Charles Wesley, brother of the founder John Wesley, was a Church of England priest, a poet and hymn writer, and Methodist preacher.  He is best known for his hymns.  It is estimated that he wrote over 9,000 hymns and poems many of which are still in Methodist hymnbooks around the world today.

The Charles Wesley exhibit includes a portable pump organ, rare hymnbooks, illustrated songbooks of Wesley hymns, rare needlepoint samplers featuring verses of Wesley hymns, letters, engravings, and an original handwritten unpublished poem by Charles.

A tour of the museum provides an excellent program for groups interested in the heritage of the family of people called Methodists.

Hours of Operation 

September through May, Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
June through August, Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Group Tours available evenings and weekends by apppointment.

Admission Fees

None

Location

575 N. Lakeshore Drive
Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
828-456-9432, Ext. 4
wmmuseum@bellsouth.net