Orlando is most famous for its attractions and amusement parks, but it also has a growing art community. With three major museums and several performing arts venues there are plenty of art experiences you can add to your next Orlando vacation.
Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art is Orlando’s main art museum located near downtown Orlando. It features a wide variety of artwork for every artistic sensibility. If you have the chance, visit on the first Thursday of the month when the museum hosts an event featuring music, mingling, and of course lots of amazing art.
Mennello Museum of American Art
The Mennello Museum of American Art is another museum located near downtown Orlando. Its exhibits are constantly changing examples of American art from every genre and time period. Visit for a taste of real American culture and folk art.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Downtown Winter Park houses The Morse Museum. This museum features work by many different American artists. It’s most prominent collection contains work by Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of the famous jewelry store Tiffany & Co.’s founder. Tiffany is most known for his glass work which is featured here along with his work in other media.
Rollins College: Cornell Fine Art Museum
Rollins College is located within walking distance of the Morse Museum in the city of Winter Park. It’s a beautiful campus, worth the trip just to see college and to take in the central Florida culture and shopping all around downtown Winter Park. Rollins also has a small museum: The Cornell Fine Art Museum, which is open to the public and has free admission.
Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
The Dr. Phillips Center is a brand new theatre in downtown Orlando opened in 2014. It is Orlando’s premier location for the performing arts. Here you can enjoy ballets, operas, and touring Broadway shows all under one roof. To see the Dr. Phillip’s Center calendar of events click here: http://www.drphillipscenter.org/shows-and-events/
Art Galleries
Orlando is home to many art galleries featuring works from local artists. Most of these galleries are located in Downtown Orlando or in Winter Park, so you can stroll the streets in these areas and see lots of amazing art. For a complete list of galleries in Orlando click here.
Mad Cow Theatre
The Mad Cow Theatre is a professional theatre company operating in Downtown Orlando. They premiere many plays and musicals throughout the year. There is almost always some kind of show to see here. They also offer acting workshops for kids and adults to bring out the actor inside of us all.
Orlando Shakespeare Theatre
The Orlando Shakespeare Theatre is another professional theatre company in Orlando. This one puts on many of William Shakespeare’s plays as well as other classic works throughout the year. A visit here is a great way to make art and culture a part of your day.
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is Downtown Orlando’s central park, located right in the middle of the city. Take a walk around the lake for the perfect juxtaposition of nature and culture. Here you can find families of swans nesting right next to giant sculptures with buildings looming in the background. You can view art while being inspired to create art of your own.
