Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens — Winter Park’s Hidden Gem

Good Morning Winter Park Welcomes Jennifer Deery of the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce welcomed a full house for Good Morning Winter Park, featuring guest speaker Jennifer Deery, Executive Director of the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden. Deery shared the inspiring story of Winter Park’s “hidden gem” — a city landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places that continues to shape our city’s cultural identity and creative spirit.

A Legacy of Art and Innovation

Nestled on three and a half acres along Lake Osceola, the Polasek Museum attracts more than 30,000 visitors each year and is one of only two Florida members of the National Trust’s Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios program — placing it in the company of Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Jackson Pollock, to name a few.

Deery reminded guests that the museum was once the home and studio of Albin Polasek, a Czech-born sculptor who immigrated to the United States in 1901. After training at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and studying in Rome, Polasek became head of the sculpture department at the Art Institute of Chicago by age 37 — a position he held for three decades before retiring to Winter Park in 1950.

Despite suffering a debilitating stroke shortly after moving here, Polasek’s creativity never waned. Working solely with his right hand, he completed 18 major works, including the celebrated “Man Carving His Own Destiny.” The monumental 18-foot stone sculpture now greets visitors to the museum — a fitting symbol of perseverance and artistic passion.

Celebrating Art, Nature and Community

Today, the Polasek Museum is more than a tribute to one artist — it’s a thriving community hub. The museum and its adjoining Capen House host over 100 events annually, from concerts and workshops to meetings and weddings. Through its programs and partnerships, the museum contributes an estimated $3 million in economic impact to the Winter Park community each year.

Deery highlighted the museum’s partnerships with organizations such as the Winter Park Arts & Culture Alliance, United Arts of Central Florida, and local institutions including Rollins College, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, and the Winter Park History Museum. Together, these collaborations amplify the reach of Winter Park’s 25+ cultural organizations.

The museum’s current exhibit, presented in partnership with the American Society of Mosaic Artists, showcases award-winning contemporary mosaic works — a creative dialogue between an ancient art form and modern expression. Complementary programs, such as a wearable-art workshop and a social-media scavenger hunt, invite residents and visitors to experience art in interactive ways throughout the city.

A Look Ahead: 65 Years of Inspiration

As the Polasek prepares to celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2026, Deery offered a glimpse of what’s ahead. Next year’s lineup includes special lectures, concerts, and exhibits featuring award-winning artists from the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design.

The museum will also join the national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with a major exhibition by renowned photographer Clyde Butcher, titled Americans the Beautiful. Presented in partnership with Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, this collection will honor the nation’s treasured landscapes — from California’s redwoods to Florida’s Everglades — marking its first showing in the state.

Preserving the Capen House: A Winter Park Treasure

Deery also reflected on the remarkable story of the Capen House, one of Winter Park’s oldest homes, built in 1885. In 2013, community members raised the funds to relocate the home across Lake Osceola — in two halves nicknamed “Fred” and “Ginger.” After a painstaking restoration, the home reopened on October 3, 2015.

Now rejoined, restored, and remarkable, the Capen House serves as both event venue and community space, recently earning Orlando Magazine’s “Best Intimate Wedding Venue” recognition. It hosts everything from corporate retreats and poetry slams to art pop-ups and holiday parties.

Winter Park Paint Out: Where Art Comes to Life

One of the museum’s most beloved traditions is the Winter Park Paint Out, a week-long plein-air festival entering its 18th year in 2026. The event brings 20–25 acclaimed artists to paint throughout Winter Park’s parks, gardens and iconic streetscapes. Visitors can watch artists at work, attend free demonstrations, and purchase freshly painted works — with more than $40,000 in commissions returned to participating artists last year.

The festival culminates with a vibrant Garden Party, celebrating creativity, community, and the beauty of Winter Park.

A Living Legacy

In closing, Deery reminded attendees that while the Polasek Museum preserves history, it is far from a relic. Through its exhibits, gardens, and programming, the museum continues to honor Albin and Emily Polasek’s vision — a place where art, nature, and community come together.

Visitors are invited to explore the museum, become members, volunteer or simply spend an afternoon inspired by Winter Park’s most enchanting storybook setting.

To learn more or plan your visit, go to polasek.org.