Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, Orlando

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, commonly known as The Polasek, is a historical site situated in Winter Park, Florida, occupying a three-acre site overlooking Lake Osceola. This site earned its place on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on May 2, 2000.

The museum is primarily dedicated to preserving the artistic legacy of Albin Polasek, a Czech sculptor. It serves as a platform for celebrating representational art and hosts exhibitions featuring both regional and international artists.

Established in 1961, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens houses a collection primarily focused on American representational sculpture crafted by the Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek.

Albin Polasek, originally from Moravia, immigrated to the United States in 1901, initially working as a wood carver. He furthered his artistic education at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia and the American Academy in Rome. He later served as the head of the Department of Sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago for 27 years before relocating to Winter Park in 1950.

The museum itself is housed within Polasek's Mediterranean-style retirement home and studio, showcasing many of its original furnishings. In 1961, Polasek opened his home and studio to the public. The museum's permanent collection comprises approximately 200 pieces, including sculptures by Polasek and his first wife, Ruth Sherwood, as well as antiquities from Polasek's personal collection.

Additionally, the galleries regularly feature changing exhibitions by local artists, offering both viewing and purchase opportunities. The surrounding garden area offers various attractions, such as the butterfly garden, two water gardens, the cycad collection along the museum's front drive, and numerous individual container gardens throughout the property.