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."

"Every second Sunday of the month, Mennello Musem of American Artholds a free family fun day. Families will get to create a free miniature art project and take a family friendly docent led tour of the museum. Location: 900 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FLPhone: (407) 246-4278Cost: Adults $5/Kids 6-17 $1 (Family Fundays are FREE for everyone)"

"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."

"Founded in 1924, Orlando's grand and blindingly white center for the arts boasts a fantastic collection – both permanent and temporary – and hosts an array of adult and family-friendly art events and classes. The popular First Thursday ($10), from 6pm to 9pm on the first Thursday of the month, celebrates local artists with regional work, live music and food from Orlando restaurants."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Part of this cuisine is fish: diners rave about the seafood options here. The menu has a good selection of dishes from the sea..."

"Located in the heart of Central Florida’s tourist area is the Big Fin Seafood Kitchen. EStablished in 2009, the restaurant has grown to become a local favorite, well known for its top service, great quality dishes and amazing location in the center of town. It is conveniently situated near the top Orlando theme parks, sitting just 5 miles (8.3 km) from Sea World and Discovery Cove and minutes from Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Epcot, and the Animal Kingdom."

"If you and your date are in the mood for fresh seafood, sushi, and raw bars head to Big Fin Seafood on Sand Lake Road. This restaurant is upscale casual. Sit in the dining room or outside on the patio."

"Tornatore’s is an Italian eatery located in College Park, offering spectacular dishes made from homemade ingredients, all of which are prepared from scratch. If you’re looking for fresh Italian food made with care, Tornatore’s Pizzeria is for you."

"Enjoying outstanding dishes and high-quality wine while listening to live entertainment and watching people paint is about as good as someone’s restaurant experience can get. Well, at Cafe Tu Tu Tango, visitors will be able to enjoy everything from the vibrant scenery to the actual art that is happening in real time. Although the food includes various combinations of European cooking, French traditional meals are some of the more popular menu items."

"It's all about artistry here - from the works of art adorning the walls to the creations coming from the kitchen. The large patio allows you to sit outside, yet still enjoy everything made inside, including the art, which is for sale. Dishes pull on a host of ethnicities: Latin American, Caribbean and Middle Eastern among them."

"Located off Lee Vista, this ice cream specializes in sundaes, milkshakes, and waffles that will be sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. New to the Orlando ice cream world, Bacio Ice Cream shop just opened earlier this year and already seeing great success!. Try their amazing flavors like banana and cookies, black walnut, chocolate and marshmallow, scooper hero, honey roasted peanut butter, oatmeal crave, and more!"