Art That Tells a Story: The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens
What is the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden?
Nestled on three lakefront acres along Lake Osceola, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens offers an intimate look into the life and legacy of Czech sculptor Albin Polasek. Home to the world's largest collection of his work, the Polasek Museum preserves figurative, representational art in the heart of Winter Park, Florida.
Designed by Polasek as his home when he moved to Winter Park in 1950, the museum was founded in 1961 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it remains a vibrant nonprofit offering rotating exhibitions, artist talks, garden tours, and community events designed to celebrate art.
What can I see at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden?
Each time guests visit the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden, they are sure to find something new to see. It is home to more than 500 of Polasek's works, including sketches, paintings, molds, and sculpture, alongside outdoor sculptures on permanent display in the 3.5-acre garden. In addition, visitors can see his original tools, the bedroom he slept in, and the chapel he built on the property.
To honor Polasek's legacy as an instructor and artist who elevated other artists, the museum has a gallery of rotating exhibitions, ranging from internationally known photographers to juried student exhibitions in partnership with local universities.
Also on the grounds of the museum is the Capen-Showalter House, an historic Winter Park home that was saved from demolition in 2013. It was moved across Lake Osceola from its former location to where it stands now, and can be rented for special events, meetings, or other gatherings.
Does the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens host tours?
Yes, the Polasek Museum offers docent-led tours with admission, as well as a free self-paced audio tour.
Docent-led tours of the grounds are available Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10:30 am, 11:45 am, 1:15 pm, and 2:45 pm, and on Sundays at 1:15 pm and 2:45 pm. Docent-led tours of the Capen-Showalter house are included with admission, though a reservation is required ahead of time.
How can I get involved with the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens?
Volunteers with the Polasek Museum help with many things, including gardening, gallery receptionists, taking care of sculptures, aiding the office staff, and more. To learn more or become a volunteer, fill out the form on the Polasek website.
Year-long memberships are also available to the museum. Though different tiers of membership have different benefits, all levels grant members unlimited admission, discounts to the museum store and programs, guest passes, and reciprocal membership to other members of the American Horticultural Society.
Plan a Visit
600 St. Andrews Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792 Office & Gallery
Hours: Mon–Thurs 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Fri & Sat 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Free gallery and sculpture garden admission
Visitor guide: https://business.winterpark.org/list/member/crealde-school-of-art-5007538
633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Hours: Tue–Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 1pm–4pm, Mon Closed
Visitor guide: https://business.winterpark.org/list/member/albin-polasek-museum
About the Series
This video is part of a showcase highlighting the destinations of the Winter Park Arts & Culture Alliance, produced by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and made possible by a generous grant from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation.