Top 10 Art Museums in Orlando, Florida
The City of Orlando, Florida is famed for its theme parks, but beyond these it has a rich tapestry of art museums that showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions.
In this article I have listed the top 10 best art museums in Orlando. Within these museums you will find contemporary to classical collections that will offer an enchanting experience for art enthusiasts.
I have included opening times for each museum that are correct at the time of writing this article, but please check the latest information before your visit.
If you would like to read more about other places where you can view artwork in the United States, please click here.
Table of Contents
2. Mennello Museum of American Art
3. Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
5. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
7. Museum of Illusions Orlando
8. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
9. Modernism Museum Mount Dora
10. Orange County Regional History Center
1. Orlando Museum of Art
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Admission Fee: Adults: $20, Children Ages 6-17: $8, Ages 5 and Under: Free
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 4pm
Address: Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) is located in Loch Haven Park and is Orlando's flagship museum, as well as being the leading provider of visual art education and experiences in the region.
The OMA showcases a diverse collection of American art, African art and contemporary art, and hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and events. Some of the works of art on display include:
The OMA American Art Collection showcases masterpieces from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries and explores themes of nature, landscape, rural life, urbanisation, and social changes through artistic styles like the Hudson River School, Impressionism, Realism, and Modernism. The collection features notable paintings by George Inness, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Richard Diebenkorn, sculptures by Daniel Ridgeway Gould, Frederick MacMonnies, and Hermann McNeal, and photography by Ansel Adams, Margaret Burke White, and Alfred Eisenstadt.
The OMA African Art Collection focuses on the arts and culture of African art. The African Art Collection showcases numerous artistic traditions from different African cultures. Examples of symbolic objects include dolls carried by young Tsonga or Ndebele women, a headdress worn by a Karamajong hunter or warrior, and a headdress inspired by European-style crowns indicating the power of a Yoruba king. These objects communicate information about marital status, age, rank, intentions, success, group affiliation, and spiritual or religious beliefs.
The Art of the Ancient Americas Collection features a diverse range of artifacts from indigenous nations spanning North, Central, and South America. Visitors can explore masterful works from the Ancestral Pueblo peoples, Classic Maya Kingdoms, Inca Empire, and Peruvian desert civilizations such as Nasca and Moche. The artworks include ceramics, jade, stone, cloth, gold, silver, copper, and shell ornaments, as well as inlaid wooden boxes and carved jade and limestone pieces.
The OMA Contemporary Art Collection features a diverse range of artwork by emerging and established international artists, such as Kerry James Marshell, Jennifer Bartlett, and Nick Cave.
The OMA Contemporary American Graphics Collection is a comprehensive collection of 460 prints representing major artists from the past 50 years. The earliest works include pieces by renowned Pop artists such as Andy Warhol, James Rosenquist, and Jasper Johns. The collection also features works in various expressive styles, including Hardedge and Lyrical Abstraction, Minimalism, Conceptual Art, Photorealism, Neo-Expressionism, and other contemporary styles.
2. Mennello Museum of American Art
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Admission Fee: Adults are $5, Children ages 6-17 are $1, and Children under age 6 go free
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10.30am to 4.30pm, Sunday 12pm to 4.30pm
Address: Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803
The Mennello Museum of American Art celebrates traditional and contemporary American art and artists through temporary exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives, and publications.
The museum showcases the works of artists from diverse backgrounds, including Korean American, Vietnamese American, Native American, African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Puerto Rican artists.
Recent exhibitions have explored themes such as American Realism, American Gothic, Abstract Expressionism, Folk Modernism, and the introduction of photography.
The Mennello Museum of American Art also houses the largest collection of work by self-taught artist Earl Cunningham. Cunningham's paintings reflect his unique vision of the world, combining fact, fantasy, and his own life experiences. His paintings are known for their vibrant colors and joyful depiction of life, earning him the reputation of an American Primitive Fauve.
Some other highlights of the collection include works by:
William Edmondson, the son of freed slaves, worked as a labourer and janitor before he started sculpting. His works, often made from limestone, are known for their spiritual and otherworldly qualities.
Clementine Hunter, the first African-American artist to have a solo exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art, is known for her depictions of daily experiences in the American South. She produced thousands of works, often painting on various surfaces like gourds, jugs, and cardboard.
Lydia Field Emmet, an American artist, is represented in the collection with her painting "Goldfish, a Portrait of Roland and Peter Hazard" (1921). She was part of a family of talented artists and was known for her skills in capturing likenesses, particularly of children.
3. Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Admission Fee: Adults are $12
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 1pm to 4pm
The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens offers a unique experience where visitors can explore the beautiful sculpture gardens, witness the legacy of over 200 of Albin Polasek's works, engage in hands-on gardening, and appreciate the harmonious blend of art and nature.
Albin Polasek (1879 - 1965) was a prominent sculptor of the twentieth century, known for his works inspired by the structure of nature and the concept of movement.
This iconic park and garden is a special place where art and nature harmonise, offering a serene environment for visitors to wander, explore, and engage with the sculptures.
The collection encompasses various themes, including figurative, portraiture, mythological, liturgical, monumental, and allegorical works.
The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognised by the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. It has also received the Great Floridian 2000 designation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
4. Rollins Museum of Art
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Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday, 10am to 7pm, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Address: Rollins Museum of Art, 1000 Holt Ave Box 2765, Winter Park, FL 32789, United States
The Rollins Museum of Art is a teaching museum that provides free access to art, promotes life-long learning, and fosters dialogue between the campus and the community.
The museum was established in 1978, originally named the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, in 2021 it was renamed The Rollins Museum of Art. It is located on the campus of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, United States.
The Rollins Museum of Art houses a diverse and eclectic collection of over 5,600 works spanning many centuries, including:
Ancient art, artifacts, European art, American art, and contemporary art.
The majority of the collection consists of two-dimensional art, including over 700 paintings and over 2,000 works on paper such as prints, drawings, and photographs.
Three-dimensional objects such as sculptures, decorative pieces, and archaeological artifacts are also part of the collection.
The collection showcases strengths in European, American, and contemporary art from the Renaissance to the present day.
It features rotating exhibitions, ongoing programs, and an extensive permanent collection.
5. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
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Admission Fee: $6 for Adults, and free admission for under 12s.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm, Sunday, 1 pm to 4pm
The Morse Museum of American Art is located in Winter Park, Orlando, it is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Established in 1942, the Morse Museum holds the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany's artwork, making it a must-visit destination for admirers of Tiffany's iconic creations.
The museum's collection spans a wide range of mediums, including stained glass windows, lamps, jewellery, pottery, and paintings, all crafted by Tiffany and his renowned Tiffany Studios. Visitors can explore the intricate craftsmanship of Tiffany's masterpieces, which showcase his innovative use of glass, vibrant colors, and nature-inspired motifs.
One of the highlights of the Morse Museum is the famous Tiffany Chapel. Originally created for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, the chapel was later acquired by the museum and meticulously restored to its former glory. The chapel's stained glass windows, mosaic panels, and decorative elements transport visitors to a realm of serene beauty.
6. The Orlando Science Center
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Admission Fee: Adults are $24, and $18 for 2 to 11 years olds.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, Closed on Wednesdays
Address: The Orlando Science Center, 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
While primarily a science center, the Orlando Science Center also features art exhibitions and installations that explore the intersection of science and creativity.
The Orlando Science Center's exhibits offer a diverse range of interactive activities and experiences for visitors of all ages, focusing on natural science, technology, sustainability, art, and more.
Some of the key features include:
Life: A new nature and conservation exhibit is set to open in late 2023, focusing on animals, humans, and the climate.
The Hive: A Makerspace: Offers access to tools, materials, and mentors for transforming creative ideas into reality.
Fusion: A STEAM Gallery: Combines art and STEM disciplines to provide a new perspective on artistic expression.
DinoDigs: Allows visitors to uncover the prehistoric world of dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and mega fauna.
Our Planet: Explores the interactions between the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere.
Dr. Dare’s Lab: Provides open experiments for visitors to engage their inner scientist.
Flight Lab: Offers an immersive experience where guests aged 13 and up can experience life as a pilot.
Observatory: Features Florida's largest publicly accessible refractor telescope and other astronomical tools.
KidsTown: Encourages children aged 0-7 to make exciting discoveries through activities like splashing, climbing, tinkering, and exploring.
7. Museum of Illusions Orlando
Admission Fee: Adults from $24.99
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 12pm to 8pm, Thursday and Friday 12pm to 9pm, Saturday, 11am to 10pm, Sunday, 12pm to 8pm
Address: Museum of Illusions Orlando, 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
The Museum of Illusions Orlando is a popular “edutainment” destination in Orlando, offering a wide range of intriguing exhibits, optical illusions, and interactive experiences. It provides a fun and educational environment for visitors of all ages, with opportunities to challenge perceptions, capture unique photos, and explore the fascinating world of illusions.
The museum provides an amazing location for socializing and entertainment, suitable for friends, family, parents, couples, grandparents, and groups.
The museum offers a variety of rooms and exhibits, such as the Infinity Room, Reverse Room, and Ames Room, allowing visitors to explore and capture impossible photos.
The collection includes holograms, optical illusions, and other exhibits that challenge assumptions about the world, reminding visitors of the spectre of illusions.
The museum features intriguing and educational games and puzzles in the playroom, providing fun and thought-provoking experiences.
8. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
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Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm, Saturday, 11am to 2pm
The Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, also known as The Hurston, is a small museum located in Eatonville, to the north of Orlando.
The museum is named after Zora Neale Hurston, an African-American writer, folklorist, and anthropologist.
The Zora Neale Hurston Museum is dedicated to providing gallery space for artists of African descent and showcasing their work. The museum has a rich history of exhibitions that promote engagement with African American art.
The Zora Neale Hurston Museum encompasses a vast array of fine art on permanent exhibit or on temporary loan. The museum displays paintings, sculpture, films, and photography from various eras. They frequently rotate their galleries and borrow collections from around the globe to keep locals engaged.
9. Modernism Museum Mount Dora
Admission Fee: $8 adults, $5 children age 4–17
Opening Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10am to 5pm
Address: Modernism Museum, 145 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757, United States
The Modernism Museum Mount Dora is a cultural institution dedicated to showcasing art, craft, and design. They offer exhibitions, events, and collections to engage visitors and inspire them to learn and appreciate these creative forms.
The Modernism Museum Mount Dora focuses on artists who explored new expressive possibilities in functional objects. A prominent figure within the collection includes Wharton Esherick, known as the “Dean of American Craftsmen”, who inspired generations of designers and makers.
The collection also features American artists George Nakashima and Wendell Castle, as well as the work of the radical group Memphis, based in Milan, Italy.
The current exhibition in 2023 is “Space Oddities: The Sequel”, featuring works related to David Bowie, Ettore Sottsass, and Memphis.
10. Orange County Regional History Center
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Admission Fee: Adults $8, 5 to 12 year olds $6
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm, Sunday, 12pm - 5pm.
Address: Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801, United States
The Orange County Regional History Center is located in a restored 1927 Orange County Courthouse in the heart of downtown Orlando. This museum is committed to preserving and sharing Central Florida's history through its diverse collection of artifacts, documents, and media.
The museum's collection includes thousands of items documenting Central Florida's heritage, spanning over 14,000 years of history. The collection comprises objects, archives, photographs, digital media, and more.
The museum offers wide-ranging programs, from permanent and traveling exhibits, to limited-run exhibitions from prestigious institutions.
The Orange County Regional History Center is also an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the American Alliance of Museums.
Street Art in Orlando
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Orlando is home to several vibrant street art districts that showcase the city's thriving art scene. The following are some notable street art areas in Orlando:
Mills 50 District: Located in the Mills 50 neighborhood, this district is known for its impressive collection of murals. You can find a diverse range of artwork here, each with its own unique meaning and style.
Downtown Orlando: The downtown area of Orlando is also a hub for street art. From ground-level artwork to high-rise murals, you'll find a variety of creative pieces that represent the city's culture and identity. The “Greetings From Orlando” mural is a popular attraction that showcases the city's iconic elements.
WestArt/Parramore District: Located west of downtown Orlando, the WestArt district is a thriving community for street art. With murals scattered along alleys and street corners, this district is gaining recognition as a prominent area for street art in Orlando.
Kissimmee: Just a short drive from Orlando, the town of Kissimmee offers a quieter alternative for exploring street art. Thanks to initiatives like ARTisNOW at Osceola Arts, Kissimmee has seen an increase in impressive murals that contribute to the town's artistic landscape.
These districts are just a glimpse into Orlando's street art scene. The city's street art is constantly evolving, and new murals continue to pop up in various neighborhoods. Exploring these areas allows you to appreciate the creativity and talent of local artists while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Orlando's street art culture.
For more articles about street art, please read here.
The Downtown Arts District in Orlando
The Downtown Arts District in Orlando is a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood known for its thriving arts scene. It is home to numerous art galleries, performance venues, and cultural institutions.
The district features several galleries and exhibition spaces, which include, to name a few:
Spotlight Gallery
Spotlight Hallway
Austin Commercial Gallery
Redefine Gallery
Themers and Dreamers
Young Artists Gallery
The Downtown Arts District also offers various events throughout the year, including:
3rd Thursday Gallery Hop: This monthly event on the third Thursday invites visitors to enjoy an evening of art, shopping, and cosmopolitan living in Downtown Orlando.
Dia de los Muertos & Monster Event: An annual art show and street party that showcases Day of the Dead and Halloween-inspired art from artists across the country.
In-Between Series: Once a month, the In-Between Series presents live experimental creative live music.
Art After Dark: An exclusive young professionals art event where attendees can meet emerging artists and collectors while enjoying interactive art experiences.
Other Orlando Museums to Explore
There are several other Orlando Museums to explore, including:
Orlando Fire Museum, 814 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
Madame Tussauds Orlando, 8387 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Maitland Art Center, W Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL 32751, United States
Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, United States
Central Florida Railroad Museum, 101 S Boyd St, Winter Garden, FL 34787, United States
I hope you have found my list of museums and galleries in Orlando useful. If you have visited any of these places, I would love to hear your thoughts or if you feel one of your favourites is missing from the list, please email me and let me know at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.
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