Best Arts and Culture Places 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."

"has gained recognition from the NY Times, BBC News, and TheHuffington Post, to name a few. Truly one of the city’s most impressive artistic endeavors, spearheaded by director and curator Patrick Kahn, Snap!. Orlando is actually two galleries, Snap!"

"Voted number one gallery in Orlando by Orlando Magazine 2016, Snap. It has gained recognition from the NY Times. The BBC News, and The Huffington Post, to name a few."

"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"

"Holy Grain Coffee Shop is a cozy, contemporary coffee bar that offers a variety of coffee beverages, including specialty drinks such as the unique Brazilian Cappuccino, along with gourmet sandwiches and fresh salads in a comfy atmosphere. The menu features favorites like standard Americano, espresso, cappuccino, and macchiato, along with mocha latte, green tea latte, lime espresso and frappes, along with farm-to-table fare such as gourmet salads and sandwiches. Holy Grain Coffee Shop is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, Monday through Sunday."

"The girl that took our order took it and when we sat down told us to leave in 5 minutes. At 6 sharp she literally kicked us out. Turn off the lights, gra..."

"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."

"Located in Maitland close to Winter Park, about 30 minutes north of International Drive, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center doesn’t just teach about the past. It also focuses on a future that is free of antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry. One of this museum’s most unique exhibits invites you to don Oculus googles for a powerful virtual-reality experience that will transport you to the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis, with Frank sharing her inspirational story along the way."

"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."

"Per the name, The Guesthouse looks and feels like the pool house of someone’s friend who lives in a much cooler neighborhood than you, and will make you wonder, “How can I make my apartment look more like this?. ” It’s all of this, plus the excellent cocktails, that makes this spot in Mills 50 one of the most popular new bars in the city. You can stop by during their daily Happy Hour from 4-8pm, which includes everything on the menu for half off, and if you want to make a night out of coming here, a few food trucks park outside of The Guesthouse most nights of the week, too."

"Bars Colonialtown North. Just on the outskirts of downtown, this craft cocktail bar is known for its fantastic happy hour, which runs from 4pm to 8pm daily, when everything on the menu is half off. The dink list runts the gamut from creative to classic coktails, the vibe is laid back, and when it’s time for a bit to eat, many of Orlando’s top food trucks can be found outside."

"The first thing that will impress you at the Guesthouse bar is knowledgeable staff who create high standard cocktails. Don’t just stop at the quality cocktails only, the beer available here is just awesome and may impress you even more. When it comes to cocktails, you can choose from the eastern taste of Japanese origins to rare mezcals."