The Mennello Museum-American Folk features an eclectic mix of folk artwork. The museum opened in 1998. The vast collection came from the donations of Marilyn and Michael Mennello. It is the only folk art museum in Florida.

Visitors to the museum will be greeted by Red and Fuzz, two cats who have made the exhibition hall their home. Artwork isn’t the only thing you will enjoy at the gallery. The outdoor garden features beautiful and unique sculptures by artists Donald De Lue, Paul Marco, Frank Gady, Albert Paly, and Dale Rogers. In addition, gorgeous lakefront views grace the structure.

The museum holds a permanent exhibit of the works of Earl Cunningham. In addition, exhibits have featured the works of Wyeth, Cassalt, Michael Eastman, and many other artists. The museum shop sells books about art, toys, and other unique items.

In addition to the numerous exhibits and festivals, the museum hosts Family Day every second Sunday of each month. Visitors have a chance to enjoy arts and crafts activities as well as a children’s workshop and guided tour. Docent tours are offered every third Thursday of each month at 1 pm. The best time to visit is during the annual Folk Festival held every February. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm and from 12 pm to 4:30 pm on Sunday.

The Orlando Science Center is one of the best interactive science complexes in the United States. It became part of the Central Florida Museum in 1955 and opened in Orlando Loch Haven Park in 1960. The center makes science fun for kids and adults. Field trips, family science nights, workshops, interactive exhibits, and movies are just some of the treats you will enjoy when you visit. The four-floor complex houses 10 presentations and has one of the state’s largest refractor telescopes. In addition, the 207,000 square foot building has many display spaces, an observatory, a theater, a café, and a store that has science-themed gifts and memorabilia. A wide-range of exhibits and multimedia presentations ensure that the needs of all will be met. The magnificent NatureWorks display offers an intimate look at reptiles, while the DinoDigs exhibit takes you back to the times of the prehistoric age. A highly recommended visit is the Our Planet Our Universe presentation that teaches children about astronomy and earth science. The center is open Sunday through Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm and Thursday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. They are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Located in Loch Haven Park and established in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art features work from artists around the world. William Michael Harnett, Suzanne McClelland, Georgia O’Keefe, and John Singer Sargent are just a few whose works you will enjoy when you visit. The museum strives to promote and educate the public about visual art. Educational programs for adults and children include tours and lectures. Accredited courses allow participants to learn about art at an intimate level. In-service programs are also offered to teachers. One of the most stunning elements is the Cobalt and Citron Tower glass display made by artist Dale Chihuly. The museum has 12 onsite and 13 offsite exhibits. After-work parties occur each Thursday. Another event to not miss is the annual Festival of Trees. The event features designer trees and vignettes each December. It is said that over 20,000 people enjoy the festival each year. In addition, the Antiques Vintage and Garden Show held every February allows patrons to purchase antique furniture, paintings, jewelry, oriental rugs, and so much more. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday through Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. They are closed on Monday and during major United States holidays. Facility rental services are also available for groups as small as 50 or as large as 1,000.

Located on the Rollins College Campus, the Cornell Fine Arts Museum holds one of Florida’s oldest art collections. The 6,000 item collection spans the Italian Renaissance to 19th and 20th century American and European artwork.

The museum came into existence in 1941 when Jeanette Morse Genius, wife of Dr. Hugh McKean, donated the money needed to build the Morse Gallery of Art. Some of the museum’s collections come from the donations of local residents such as Francesco de Mura, George H. Sullivan, and June and Jack Meyers.

The museum’s collections were further enriched by a one million dollar donation from George and Harriet Cornell in 1976. This donation helped to create the George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Fine Arts Center and to convert the Morse Gallery of Art into the Cornell Fine Arts Museum.

The permanent exhibitions feature the works of Albert Bierstadt, Alex Katz, John Frederick Kensett, Cosimo Rosselli, Henri Matisse, Ed Ruscha, Thomas Moran, Pablo Picasso, and many others. One of the jewels of the museum is the Tiffany glass collection donated by the McKean family.

The museum shop sells books, toys posters, and catalogs. They are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and from 12 pm to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

A trip to Orlando would not be complete without a visit to the Morse Museum of American Art. Located on North Park Avenue, the exhibition hall features one of the most stunning and comprehensive collections of Louis Comfort Tiffany and stained glasswork. In fact, most of the museum’s items came from the Tiffany’s Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall. Jeannette Genius McKean founded the gallery in 1942. Until 1977, it was housed on the campus of Rollins College.

One of the most visually stunning elements is the Tiffany Chapel, first built for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The chapel features a Byzantine-Style design and glass mosaics as well as a marble and white glass altar. Although there are many exhibits to choose from, it is highly recommended that one visit the American Decorative Art and Culture collection that features pottery, glass windows, and sculpture works. The museum also features 19th and 20th century American and decorative art.

Popular events include the Christmas in the Park, Christmas Eve Open House, Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Easter Weekend Open House, and Independence House. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 4 pm, 1 pm to 4 pm on Sunday, and on Fridays from 4 pm to 8 pm. In addition, free admittance is offered on Friday evenings from November to April from 4 pm to 8 pm.