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Discover Orlando’s vibrant art scene with Rent By Owner’s list of the city’s top museums, galleries, and cultural attractions.
Orlando: The Art Hub of the Sunshine State
While Florida is widely known for its sunny beaches and theme parks, it has much more to offer, especially in the vibrant city of Orlando. Art and culture thrive here, what with Orlando’s rich culture and history involving Indigenous settlers, artists, astronauts, and African-American icons.
Today, that legacy lives on in the various museums, galleries, and theaters throughout the city. With more support pouring in from local authorities, Orlando continues to hold its place as a top destination for cultural tourists.
Rent By Owner believes that travel should be inspiring! That is why we’ve compiled a list of art spots you shouldn’t miss on your visit to “The City Beautiful.”
Art & Cultural Institutions in Orlando & Beyond
Orlando’s culture is so diverse that you’ll never tire of exploring all that it has to offer. In fact, we know that you’ll be left wanting more.
In this list, we’ve included not only cultural institutions in Orlando, but also some in nearby cities you might also want to visit:
1. MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
900 East Princeton Street, Orlando | (407) 246-4278
Located in Loch Haven Park, the Mennello Museum is home to an extensive permanent collection of American art. Of particular note is the museum’s impressive collection of works by Earl Cunningham, widely considered the most famous Florida folk artist. This dynamic cultural center also showcases contemporary pieces, from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations and performance art.
2. ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART
2416 N Mills Avenue, Orlando | (407) 896-4231
The Orlando Museum of Art boasts a world-class collection of American art. The museum is home to an extensive array of portraits, landscapes, and still-life paintings dating from the 19th century to the present day. It also features a diverse array of rotating exhibitions that showcase the best of international contemporary art.
Visitors can even partake in talks, lectures, workshops, and educational programs. Check their website to time your stay with any of their year-round events and avoid excessive foot traffic.
3. THE CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
445 N Park Avenue, Winter Park | (407) 645-5311
The Morse Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the art of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Here, a comprehensive collection of his works – including stained-glass windows, lamps, and jewelry – sit amongst historical American pottery and late 19th- to early 20th-century American painting and graphics. Be sure to explore their garden as well, where a reproduction of Tiffany’s Laurelton Hall Daffodil Terrace sits in quiet grandeur.
4. ROLLINS MUSEUM OF ART
1000 Holt Avenue, Winter Park | (407) 646-2526
Formerly known as the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, the Rollins Museum of Art features larger galleries, study rooms, an educational wing, and an auditorium and cafe. It has a collection of over 5,000 art pieces – from celebrated names like Thomas Gainsborough and Andy Warhol to contemporary luminaries such as Julie Mehretu, Shirin Neshat, and Hank Willis Thomas.
The Rollins Museum of Art also has an expansive American collection, contemporary collection, and the sole European Old Master paintings in Orlando.
5. ZORA NEALE HURSTON NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
227 E Kennedy Boulevard, Eatonville | (407) 647-3307
The Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts is located in the historic town of Eatonville, the first incorporated all-black municipality in the United States. Through rotating exhibitions, art classes, and community events, it seeks to preserve and promote African American art and culture.
Visitors can also explore Eatonville’s historic district, which includes the town’s oldest church, cemetery, and schoolhouse.
6. ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
65 E Central Boulevard, Orlando | (407) 836-8500
The Orange County Regional History Center offers interactive exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs that showcase the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the area’s Native American, Spanish, and African American heritage, as well as its role in the Civil War and space exploration.
7. LEU GARDENS
1920 N Forest Avenue, Orlando | (407) 246-2620
Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical garden located in the heart of Orlando. The garden features thousands of plants and flowers from around the world, including camellias, roses, and citrus. With its historic home museum, exhibits, and educational programs, it plays a vital part in uplifting Orlando’s art & horticulture.
8. THE ALBIN POLASEK MUSEUM & SCULPTURE GARDENS
633 Osceola Avenue, Winter Park | (407) 647-6294
This stunning museum features an extensive collection of more than 200 works by the Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek, one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.
Polasek’s sculptures span a wide range of styles and themes, from religious figures and portraits to abstract works and nudes. Visitors can immerse themselves in his unique vision and see a rotating exhibition of contemporary art – all while in a lush and tranquil lakeside garden that might as well be another northern Orlando culture centerpiece.
9. OSCEOLA HISTORY
4155 W Vine Street, Kissimmee | (407) 396-8644
Journey back in time with Osceola History. Their Pioneer Village features an impressive collection of authentic structures that were carefully relocated and preserved to showcase life in the region before modern times.
See an olden general store, post office, schoolhouse, church, train depot, and homestead in the flesh. Even better, learn about Osceola County’s agricultural history by visiting the cow camp, citrus packing plant, cane grinder, and barn.
10. ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER
777 E Princeton Street, Orlando | (407) 514-2000
Ignite your curiosity for biology, chemistry, astronomy, and technology at the Orlando Science Center! On top of interactive exhibits and immersive hands-on experiences, visitors can enjoy a giant-screen theater, a planetarium, and a science park making it one of the top science and art museums in Orlando.
11. ORLANDO AUTO MUSEUM AT DEZERLAND PARK ORLANDO
5232 International Drive, Orlando | (321) 754-1700
The Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park Orlando is paradise on earth for car enthusiasts. It features an impressive collection of over 300 classic, exotic, and rare automobiles from around the world, including cars from movies and TV shows like James Bond and Batman. Visitors can also explore the museum’s extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia and arcade games.
12. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL RESOURCE & EDUCATION CENTER OF FLORIDA
851 N Maitland Avenue, Maitland | (407) 628-0555
The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida is dedicated to preserving the memory of Holocaust victims and promoting human dignity and respect for all people. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs that document the history of the Holocaust and its impact on the world. Visitors can also attend lectures, film screenings, and other events that promote the museum’s mission.
13. ONEPULSE FOUNDATION
1912 S Orange Avenue, Orlando | (407) 775-4611
When talking about Orlando’s culture and history, one cannot skip onePULSE. Founded in the wake of the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting of 2016, the foundation is dedicated to creating a national memorial and museum to honor the 49 innocent lives that were lost that fateful night.
One of the foundation’s main attractions is its interim memorial, which is open to the public and features interactive exhibits, artwork, and a reflection space. It’s also a hub for community events, educational programs, and fundraising initiatives that are dedicated to promoting healing and social change.
14. ART & HISTORY MUSEUMS – MAITLAND
231 W Packwood Avenue, Maitland | (407) 539-2181
The Art & History Museums – Maitland is a cultural complex located in the historic town of Maitland, Florida. The complex includes five museums: the Maitland Art Center, the Waterhouse Residence Museum, the Telephone Museum, Carpentry Shop Museum, and the Maitland Historical Museum. Glimpse history through a restored 19th-century Victorian home, or enjoy exhibits that showcase the works of Florida’s artists.
15. SNAP! ORLANDO
420 E Church Street, Orlando | (407) 212-7535
SNAP! ORLANDO is a contemporary art gallery in Orlando that features works by emerging and established artists from around the world. The gallery’s exhibitions cover a wide range of media, including photography, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. SNAP! ORLANDO also offers educational programs, artist talks, and community events.
16. CITYARTS
39 S Magnolia Avenue, Orlando | (407) 648-7060
CityArts is another visual arts flagship of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District. Here, you’ll get to enjoy a rotating selection of local and international works of art. If you’re planning an extended stay, you can get to see new pieces every month! With admission being free, it’ll be hard for art buffs to turn this one down.
17. WELLS’ BUILT MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE
511 W South Street, Orlando | (407) 245-7535
Located in the historic South Street District of downtown Orlando, this institution plays an important role in the preservation of African-American history. It is housed in the former Wells’Built Hotel, which was a prominent lodging for African Americans during the era of segregation.
Visitors can explore the hotel’s former guest rooms, which have been transformed into exhibits that highlight the lives and accomplishments of prominent African Americans throughout history.
From civil rights leaders and musicians to athletes and artists, the museum’s exhibits provide a deep and moving look into the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the United States.
18. ORLANDO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
812 E Rollins Street, Orlando | (407) 447-1700
The Orlando Shakespeare Theater is a professional theater company that produces classic and contemporary plays. They also host educational programs and community events to further nurture Orlando’s culture & arts. The theater’s performances are held at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, which features two theaters, a courtyard, and a lobby gallery.
19. ORLANDO REPERTORY THEATRE
1001 E Princeton Street, Orlando | (407) 896-7365
The Orlando Repertory Theatre has been inspiring and entertaining generations of theatergoers for over 20 years. With productions like “The Cat in the Hat” and “Charlotte’s Web” to contemporary hits like “Frozen Jr.” and “The Lightning Thief,” their programming is diverse, engaging, modern, and perfect for children or children-at-heart.
20. THE WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE
711 Orange Avenue, Winter Park | (407) 645-0145
Musical and cabaret fans will delight in The Winter Park Playhouse! Their productions range from classic Broadway shows like “Guys and Dolls” and “The Music Man” to contemporary hits like “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Their Mainstage seats 123 people, while their Second Stage is more intimate with a 33-seat capacity.
21. GARDEN THEATRE
160 W Plant Street, Winter Garden | (407) 877-4736
The Garden Theatre is a true gem of the Orlando art scene – and is exactly as its name implies. Here, you’ll come across a beautiful outdoor garden and a lobby gallery that showcases the works of local artists. Enjoy some pre-show drinks and post-show conversations, as their performances and films are sure to engage the mind long after the credits roll.
22. DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
445 S Magnolia Avenue, Orlando | (407) 839-0119
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is one of the most spectacular and technologically advanced venues in the Southeast United States. It houses theaters, including the Walt Disney Theater, which seats 2,700 people, and the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, which seats 300 people.
In addition to the theaters, the Dr. Phillips Center also has rehearsal studios, outdoor plazas, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city skyline. The center also hosts a variety of educational programs and community events, providing access to the arts for people of all ages and backgrounds.
23. BOB CARR THEATER
401 W Livingston Street, Orlando | (407) 246-4262
This historic theater features a 2,518-seat auditorium and has hosted a wide range of performances. Locals and repeat visitors alike often associate Bob Carr Theater with concerts, Broadway shows, ballets, and operas. If you have a taste for more sophisticated and classical performances, be sure to check their website for upcoming shows.
24. THE ABBEY
100 S Eola Drive Suite 100, Orlando | (407) 704-6103
The Abbey is a multi-functional venue that features a 225-seat theater, a bar, and a rooftop patio. It hosts a variety of performances, including plays, comedy shows, concerts, and burlesque shows, as well as community events and private functions. With its rotating cast of performers and celebrants, it is a truly unique addition to Orlando’s art and culture scene.
25. THEATRE SOUTH PLAYHOUSE
7601 Della Drive Suite 15, Orlando | (407) 601-4380
If you’re traveling with family and seeking performances that can be enjoyable for all ages, the Theatre South Playhouse is your best bet. Their productions range from classic Broadway shows like “The Sound of Music,” and “Annie” to contemporary hits like “In the Heights” and “Dear Evan Hansen.” With their mainstage having a 120-seat capacity, it’s important to purchase tickets in advance to save a good spot.
Enjoy Orlando Art & Empower Communities with Rent By Owner
We list vacation home rentals, cottages, and cabins from private owners worldwide, so you can enjoy art and connect with communities anywhere you go. Why stay in a hotel when you can empower small business owners while you travel? Plan your trips and find accommodations with us and enjoy unbeatable rates!
TLDR
Rent By Owner presents a comprehensive guide to Orlando’s vibrant art scene, featuring the city’s top museums, galleries, and cultural attractions. From world-class collections of American art at the Mennello Museum and Orlando Museum of Art to the preservation of African American history at the Wells’Built Museum, the guide showcases the diversity and richness of Orlando’s cultural offerings.
Visitors can also enjoy live performances at renowned theaters such as the Orlando Shakespeare Theater and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, or immerse themselves in nature at Harry P. Leu Gardens.
