Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Orlando

"Originally established to preserve Earl Cunningham paintings, The Mennello Museum of American Art, housed in what was once the private home of Howard Phillips, uses its unique space to display American art of all genres and time periods. Marrying art and nature, visitors have the opportunity to experience exceptional exhibits with the beautiful backdrop of Lake Formosa. The Smithsonian American Art Museum Affiliate showcases notable exhibitions, but just as lovely is enjoying the grounds with a picnic lunch and reveling in the charm of the 350-year-old live oak affectionately deemed “the Mayor."

"By Ebyabe (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons. Located just north of downtown Orlando on the shore of Lake Formosa is The Mennello Museum of American Art. The Mennello Museum of American Art showcases changing exhibitions featuring American art of all styles and periods, including travelling shows."

"Go beyond the typical Orlando attractions and spend a day at the Orlando Museum of Art, the region's leading cultural institution. Art enthusiasts will find an extension collection, including American art from the Colonial period to the 1960s; African art reflective of peoples and cultures throughout the African continent; the art of the Ancient Americas; and an outstanding contemporary art collection from 1945 to the present. The museum is closed Mondays and major holidays."

"With a collection of over 200 works by the award-winning, internationally recognized Czech-born sculptor Albin Polasek, the museum not only offers a reprieve for art lovers but nature lovers as well. Located on beautiful Lake Osceola, the sculptor’s home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits amid breathtaking grounds. Take a guided tour through the three-acre sculpture gardens, find serenity in the chapel, or simply linger along the tree-lined paths while enjoying one of Central Florida’s spectacular sun-filled days."

"Born in 1879 in what is now known as the Czech Republic, internationally acclaimed sculptor Albin Polasek emigrated to the U.S. in his early 20s. During his long career, he created more than 400 works of art — and you can view nearly half of them at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park, about 20 minutes north of International Drive. Learn more: Winter Park"

"Minutes from the busy city life of neighboring Orlando, visitors will find a serene escape in the Art and History’s five museums nestled within two campuses. Visitors can fill a day exploring the Maitland Art Center, Maitland Historical Museum, Telephone Museum, Waterhouse Residence Museum, and Carpentry Shop Museum. Just step inside the restored Waterhouse Residence Museum and be whisked away to Victorian times as you stroll through a guided tour admiring the Eastlake staircase and plush furnishings or reminisce about the turn of the century with woodworking tools, including ones used by Mr. Waterhouse himself."

"Part of Maitland’s cultural lineup, Art & History Museums — Maitland has so much to offer that it can’t be contained by one building. Instead, it is spread out over two campuses, both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places: the Maitland Art Center and the Victorian-era Waterhouse Residence Museum. The Maitland Art Center is also a National Historic Landmark, thanks in large part to unique Aztec- and Mayan-influenced architecture and one of the southeast’s only remaining examples of Mayan Revival designs."

"Just minutes from Downtown Orlando, the five museums that comprise the Art & History Museums – Maitland feature countless opportunities for visitors to experience hands-on history and fine art exhibitions."

"With hundreds of genuine artifacts, memorabilia, and military relics, visitors have the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of American military history at the Museum of Military History. The 10,000-square-foot (929-square-meter) museum, which pays tribute to brave soldiers, covers events from the Civil War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Don’t miss this educating experience saluting heroism from land to sea."

"Historic Eatonville is one of the oldest African-American communities in the United States, and you’ll find it just 25 minutes north of International Drive. Incorporated in 1887, the town also served as the childhood home of seminal author Zora Neale Hurston (Their Eyes Were Watching God). Today, Eatonville honors Huston’s legacy with the annual ZORA!"

"The Zora Neale Hurston Festival is an internationally known celebration of the cultural contributions that Africa-descended people have made to the United States and to world culture."

"This casual waterfront spot boasts a huge outdoor deck, live music, a dock and a menu comprised of beachy cocktails and seafood dishes. You’ll enjoy fantastic sunrise views during breakfast, although the sky puts on its own colorful show during sunset. Po tip: For the best sunset views, book a private sailing tour aboard a 25 foot sailboat with Sailing Orlando ahead of dinner to see the sunset from Lake Fairview."

"Keke's Breakfast Café is a friendly chain with locations around the city that offers a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, Keke's boasts bright and modern décor and an extensive menu of hearty fare, freshly brewed coffee, and other drinks. The breakfast menu features a variety of favorites such as pancakes, waffles, and French toast, eggs done several ways, three-egg omelets, egg scrambles, and breakfast skillets."

"Demetree Park was opened to the public in 1988 and has ever since, served a community park with numerous exciting sights and events. The park sits on 24.6 acres and has several paths and boardwalks which allow you enjoy scenic natural views. Demetree Park is suitable for relaxation and unwinding, bird watching and walking tours."

"Approximately 15 minutes west of Walt Disney World Resort in Clermont, Orlando Cat Cafe serves coffee from another standout on this list, Axum Coffee. As the name implies, you can play with cats while enjoying your java, or even adopt one."