top 10 art & culture experiences near orlando
NON-TOURISTY GUIDE TO CULTURALLY RICH EXPERIENCES OF ART IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FROM A LOCAL ARTIST & DESIGNER
As a RISD grad with a Masters degree in Architecture and a love of art, history, and design, one of my favorite things to do when traveling to a new city is check out a good art museum or gallery district. I’ve lived near Orlando for 13 years and finding culturally rich experiences of fine art is much more difficult in the land of theme parks and tourist attractions than in other cities. But over the years I’ve come across some absolute gems that are must-sees for residents or visitors of Central Florida. If you appreciate the arts, throw out the typical touristy museum suggestions you saw on other blog sites. Trust me! Let me share with you the best locations I’ve personally found for more inspiring, enriching and historic experiences in the Orlando area.
1. Morse Museum
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, FL is the most unique, inspiring, and expansive collection of fine art I’ve found in Central Florida yet. Collections of stained glass by Art Deco artist, Louis Comfort Tiffany are just the beginning. Architectural drawings, paintings, sculpture, historic publications, and entire interior spaces by various turn of the century artists are on display in this breath-taking space. Most notable is Tiffany’s Chapel interior for the infamous Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. The museum does a great job setting a historical context, telling the story of the artists’ process, and highlighting the beauty of the mediums. In addition, Morse Museum has one of the better museum gift shops I’ve been to in the country, with unique, hand-crafted, and modern items for sale. A little easy to miss, the gift shop is located on the Canton Ave. corner of the building, accessible from the sidewalk, or from inside the galleries about half way through your stroll through the space.
Pro Tip: There are so many different experiences to take in at this museum. I recommend visiting when you have time to enjoy the details and immerse yourself in rooms like the Daffodil Terrace and the chapel.
Pro Tip: There are so many different experiences to take in at this museum. I recommend visiting when you have time to enjoy the details and immerse yourself in rooms like the Daffodil Terrace and the chapel.
2. Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at FSC
The Florida Southern College campus in Lakeland, FL (about an hour SW of Orlando) is the largest single-site collection of architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright. The 1-hour guided tour is easy to book online and takes you inside education buildings, two of his famous chapels and a house fully designed (complete with bespoke furniture) by the notable Falling Water architect. A lot of the buildings have seen significant wear and tear after almost a century but you’ll leave not only inspired by the architecture, but invigorated by the architect’s dedication to his utopian vision for the former orange grove site. The Guggenheim architect is famously quoted as saying, "Early in life I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility. I chose honest arrogance and have seen no occasion to change." Seeing such an expansive representation of his unconventional values leaves you refreshed and inspired towards greater artistic tenacity.
Pro Tip: I would highly recommend seeing the campus on the guided tour, since it allows you access to many buildings that aren’t open to the public. It’s an easy walk, but much of the tour does occur outdoors, so be prepared for the weather.
Pro Tip: I would highly recommend seeing the campus on the guided tour, since it allows you access to many buildings that aren’t open to the public. It’s an easy walk, but much of the tour does occur outdoors, so be prepared for the weather.
Early in life I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility. I chose honest arrogance and have seen no occasion to change.
- Frank Lloyd Wright
3. A Downtown Winter Garden stroll
I spend a lot of time in downtown Winter Garden since I live nearby, so I may be biased, but the charming yet unpretentious little strip of coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques and public art is a perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon in Central Florida. My favorite things to do are bike on the West Orange Trail, get some work done at Foxtail Coffee, meet a friend for lunch and a craft beer at Plant Street market, or visit SoBo Art Gallery. This short stretch of Plant Street is full of cultural opportunities like public murals and sculptures, the Garden Theater, and The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation.
4. Mary, Queen of the Universe BASILICA
Serving the growing tourist population in the area, this Catholic place of worship is open to the public throughout the week. Visitors can attend daily mass, experience the Museum, enjoy the stunning Rosary Garden, or take in views of the inspiring architecture. This hidden gem is a uniquely spiritual experience of fine art, architecture and culture in Central Florida.
5. Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens, located in Lake Wales, FL, about an hour south of Orlando, offers a mixture of unique architecture, serene musical experiences and inspiring natural settings. The Art Deco and Neo Gothic style singing tower, with its great brass door, pink marble and 60-bell carillon is the largest musical instrument in the world. Live concerts are played twice daily, with chimes on the hour and half-hour. During your visit, make sure to enjoy the walking trails, the Japanese toro stone lantern, the pollinator garden, and the mediterranean revival architecture of El Retiro estate. The most breathtaking views include the towers reflection off the koi pond moat and the view of the orange grove from atop Iron Mountain.
6. Orlando Museum of Art
Orlando Museum of Art has several large galleries with rotating exhibits from their vast collection of ancient to modern art. The Museum boasts several stunning outdoor sculptures to enjoy as you enter but one piece in particular is reason enough to make the trip. Inside a central atrium hangs a 65-foot-tall (world record holding) Dale Chihuly glass tower sculpture illuminated by a flood of natural light from the skylight above. Unlike most art museums in major cities, there’s no café and the gift shop is a little uninspiring. But with its convenient location in downtown Orlando and variety of artistic styles and mediums on display, OMA is a staple art experience in Orlando. My favorite times to visit are during their events like Festival of Trees and First Thursdays.
7. Events in Downtown Winter Garden
Plant Street in Downtown Winter Garden is home to several very popular events throughout the year. Weekly occasions like the Saturday Farmer’s Market and Fridays on the Plaza are a little more relaxed, while annual events like Octoberfest at Crooked Can, Art Night VIP, and Light Up Winter Garden are much more involved. If you enjoy a good bar atmosphere Pilars Loft (above Axum coffee) also hosts regular Jazz Events and Open Mic Nights, and Crooked Can Brewery offers regular Trivia Nights and Live Music on the patio. These events are great for a date night or hanging out with friends, especially if you prefer a more charming setting over the touristy areas in much of Central Florida.
8. leu gardens
A stroll through these varied, tropical gardens in Orlando is perfect for a cooler day under the shade of the giant oak trees. Visitors can enjoy the gardens, sculptures, structures and lake overlooks. Must-see features are the rose garden, the floral clock and the idea garden. The expansive natural sanctuary is ideal for a long, contemplative reprieve session. Bring a sketchbook, wear good walking shoes, and plan for lots of time to sit and take in the sites.
9. Cirque Du Soleil
This recommendation is number nine because you might find it listed alongside some other touristy suggestions like Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Blue Man Group and WonderWorks Orlando. But unlike those others, the current Cirque Du Soleil show, Drawn to Life, will be particularly inspiring for creatives, as it pays homage to the innovation and artistry of animation. The family-friendly, 90-minute show takes place in Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney), a complex of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Pro Tip: Plan extra time for parking and walking to your destination. Admission to Disney Springs is free but there are tons of shops and restaurants to enjoy before or after your evening at the circus.
Pro Tip: Plan extra time for parking and walking to your destination. Admission to Disney Springs is free but there are tons of shops and restaurants to enjoy before or after your evening at the circus.
10. Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
This stunning and historic estate is home to paintings and artwork by Albin Polesek (and other American artists) along with a beautifully manicured sculpture garden overlooking Lake Osceola. Access the small dock for an even better view of the natural setting. Conveniently located in Winter Park, FL (just a few minutes from Orlando), this small museum is a great retreat for some quick relaxation and inspiration.
AUTHOR
Hi! I'm Tiffany Kelly, owner of The Honest Pixel, an independent graphic design studio in Winter Garden, FL. I've been a creative professional all my adult life. I have a Master's Degree in architecture from RISD and over a decade of experience in graphic design. I've learned so much about design, freelance, and owning a business since starting The Honest Pixel in 2022.
I aim to be a trusted and authentic coach for other graphic designers, freelancers, or owners of small studios. I share honest tips and wisdom about things I'm putting into practice within my own business. My goal is to encourage and build up other creatives in a real way that broadens your community and impacts your success.
I aim to be a trusted and authentic coach for other graphic designers, freelancers, or owners of small studios. I share honest tips and wisdom about things I'm putting into practice within my own business. My goal is to encourage and build up other creatives in a real way that broadens your community and impacts your success.
|
|