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Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Museums, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
633 Osceola AveWinter Park, FL 32789
Neighborhood: Winter Park
(407) 647-6294
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 10 am - 4 pm
Sun 1 pm - 4 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
14 reviews for Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Review Highlights
14 reviews in English
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Review from Yulissa M.
Altamonte Springs, FL
10/24/2011 1 photo
This place is SPECTAK! Came here for an Elite Event and arrived just as the sun was setting and WOW what a beautiful view.
The museum portion was havingan exhibiton on old Soviet Propoganda. It is definately something to see.
The outside garden area has beautiful landscpaing and of course the SCULPTURES!
Definately a must see Museum & Garden!
Great for Events! -
Review from Leslie W.
WOW!
My first visit here was for a Yelp event and I was super impressed. The only downside was that I wasn't able to fully enjoy all the beautiful outdoor statues and landscaping because it got dark too quickly.
This place is absolutely beautiful. I can definitely see it being a perfect location for a wedding ceremony or reception. Super romantic. Also a great place for a photo op.
If you haven't been to this hidden gem then you need to do yourself a favor and go see it. -
Review from Tom B.
10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
"Show me the sculptor who can make a really good figure and I will point him out as the most original artist in the world." -- Albin Polasek
If I said all I wanted to say about the Polasek Museum, it would be a novelette. So I'll keep it short. This was only my second visit to this magnificent place, and this time I took the entire tour of the house and chapel, as well as the free tour. Pay the extra few bucks and get the docent's tour. Then donate whatever else you feel you can. What a gem.
Albin Polasek was fascinating and gifted. The museum of this Czech-born sculptor and artist shows a large body of his works in wood, plaster, bronze, fiberglass, marble, terra cotta, concrete and cement. There may even have been some Play-Doh there but I missed it. Besides the sculptures, he did some captivating oil on canvas paintings. One of his sculptures, "Man Carving His Own Destiny," was done 53 times, but with each sculpture having some small difference from all of the others.
Much of the work he did with only hand after he suffered a stroke. Included in the house tour is a you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it nativity scene in wood that he made at the age of only 15. A very religious man, when he became ill he built his own chapel, which includes his 14 stations of the cross. Number 12 is extra special, as he included his own image in that one.
This is a photographer's paradise. I'm including a few photos, but they were only taken with a cell phone camera.
"Sculpture should be as rhythmical as poetry or music." - Albin Polasek -
Review from Colleen B.
Orlando, FL
WOW! This is a spot that I drive past allll the time, right past Park Ave and near Rollins, but it is so far set off the road, it took me years to actually check it out and I am sad it took me so long.
I went yesterday and got a tour of the museum and property and learned all about the history of the place along with the founder and sculptor, Albin Polasek. I was so impressed with the grounds and museum, I could NOT stop taking photographs.
They have different art exhibits about 5 times a year and currently they have a Father/Son combo, perfect for Father's Day. They also have the option to tour the house where Polasek actually lived and worked in. The history of his life is amazing and the passion he had for his art is obvious in his story and pieces of work. Also, the chapel with his sketches of the stations of the cross is intimate and moving. The detail in his sketches is breathtaking.
Now the most impressive part, to me, was the garden and outdoor area... wow... stunning. The most astounding part? ALL of the flowers and detail in the foliage is from volunteers, how cool is that? You can sign up and go Tues/Thur mornings to garden. It's so gorgeous. All of his sculptures are scattered throughout and sitting on the water, it's gorgeous.
The host tons of events here because it is such a gorgeous space but note, you can just go to walk around for free. There are benches and places to sit back and enjoy or event eat lunch at.
It's so peaceful... you don't want to miss this, go check it out! -
Review from Wendy G.
Brooklyn, NY
10/23/2011
I am adding this review primarily to balance out other reviews, which seem over-positive. I don't this type of facility could ever warrant 5 stars, as it is a museum of the work of only a single artist, whose work was good but not especially intriguing. The "museum" is the artist's former residence and on this count, too, the building is nothing inspiring. The lot is very beautiful, situated on a lake, and the gardens are nice, but I would not put it into the "exceptional" category.
That said, the artist featured, Polasek, was talented, prolific and inspired; his sculpture work in particular showcases his talent, but I find his painting average. The total body of his work is not singular or exceptional except in its volume. The overwhelming majority of his work is religious, and is very traditional and very literal and representational. Perhaps it is the Roman Catholic/Christian nature of the artwork that so many reviewers are actually enjoying so much and rewarding with their 5-star reviews. I personally found the pagan sculpture to be much more interesting. The tour guide, though, seemed apologetic even to have pagan art present, and her tone strongly suggested the propriety and reverence for the Christian art instead.
The information provided in the tour unintentionally made Polasek sound like he might have been a bit of a self-promoter. After seeing the museum and gardens, I looked him up on Wikipedia and found that he made around 400 works - and around 200 of these are on display in this museum! I almost feel they should mention this on the tour.
The house is sort of an an uninspired mid-century modern structure, made of cinder blocks and fairly small, especially compared to the late-vintage McMansions now seated on either side of it. It is placed, though, on a large, lovely lot that over looks a serene, beautiful lake. The chapel is a separate building, with no windows but only sky lights. Frankly it is not beautiful or inspiring, and contains lots of religious paintings, which may speak to the Catholics but not to me. The gardens around the chapel are nice and worth a visit. There are a great deal of tropical plantings set up in various beds, which provide multiple areas to investigate and enjoy.
While I visited, there was a (very small) exhibit of posters of propaganda in the USSR from the early 20th century. I was rushing to get to the tour so I did not get to give these much of a look, and forgot about them afterwards, because the tour went on so long (in part due to prolonged questioning by other visitors, about weird things like Polasek's personal life and the basic processes of different art media). I like the topic of this exhibit, though, and wish I had remembered them. It sounds like they rotate exhibits in this space.
One truly positive aspect is the price of admission, which is only $5. Especially for the price, the Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is worth a visit. But, aside from a few sculpture pieces, and unless you are a big fan of very traditional Catholic and/or Christian art, don't expect to find the work of an undiscovered or underappreciated American great here. -
Review from Dave D.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2011
I was a bit skeptical about how great this place would be after reading the amazing reviews, but they were spot on!
This fun and informative museum / gardens pleased everyone in our group. From the young parents to the grandparents to the 10 and 8 year old kids, we all walked away with a smile on our face as well as a little more knowledge in our heads.
For the kids, be sure to ask for the scavenger hunt sheets, and then start touring the gardens. Kids will enjoy tracking down hidden sculptures and fountains.
The 30 minute guided tour was led by a friendly gal named Trudy. She let a 10 minute DVD give us the rundown on Albin and his life. After that, Trudy took us through the home he lived in, and the Chapel he had built.
If you are in Winter Park, don't miss this hidden gem!! -
Review from Kelli M.
6/3/2011 3 photos
Don't you love it when you find hidden gems? The Albin Polasek Museum is one of those beauties. The museum is located in the town of Winter Park. The museum sits on a main road in town. You could pass right by without realizing there is a wonderful lakefront museum that offers plenty of visual delights.
Polasek's sculptures blend in with the garden's natural beauty. The grounds are lovely to walk, and the museum offers changing exhibitions along with a small but lovely gift shop. Call to find out when the docent will be leading a tour of the Polasek home and chapel. There are over 200 pieces created by Mr. Polasek located throughout the property. You will find tables and benches located throughout the garden. Though some of the gardens are shaded, you may want to plan an early morning visit in the summer before it heats up outside.
Just a beautiful place to be. -
Review from Lisa W.
12/14/2010
What a great museum and amazing gardens. The inside exhibits rotate in and out, the gardens only change as nature does. A great place for a picnic or private event, the gardens end at the lake. Really gorgeous.
Staff is nice and great to work with for private events. If you have a private event (wedding, reception, party) the Winter Park Boat Tours can pull up to the Polasek's private dock on the lake, it's a great surprise for guests. :) -
Review from Mike S.
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Such a lovely little park! Next to a Lake with beautiful sculptures all around. So much has already been said by others so I'll just say go there to enjoy something outside the norm, where you can get back to a bit of nature and naked statues.
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Review from Vanessa A.
Eustis, FL
10/19/2009 ROTD 3/24/2010
If you've never been here you must treat yourself one of these days. The gardens, carefully arranged around the remodeled house, are perfectly manicured and absolutely breathtaking. Each individual garden is perfection, most laid out around sculptures made by the artist, Albin Polacek. Additionally, there's a gallery inside where rotating exhibits are held.
At various time throughout the year, the gardens host weddings, orchid shows and private groups so be sure to check their schedule before making the trip out.
http://www.polasek.org/ -
Review from Christine H.
Cocoa, FL
1/15/2011
Who would've thunk it? We were out for a Saturday drive and stumbled upon this home. Its obviously named after its previous owner the sculptor/artist Albin Polasek. It gives you a feeling like Contrary Mary gets after being sent away to the dreary English countryside and she opens the door to her secret and mystical secret garden. Yes just like that...you go thru the very informative tour of the home first, and then you get to wander thru the gardens. You feel like for a moment in time everything is right with the world because of how serene and beautiful your surroundings are.
I think that should be worth the money for the evntrance fee doncha' think? -
Review from Rhea P.
9/26/2009 1 Check-in Here
Wow! What a gem! The museum is actually the home where this retired Czeck artist created some of his sculptures and paintings. The space is lush, inspiring, and healing. Perfect for arelaxing, weekend visit.
There is so much to learn about this artist, and I'm thrilled I had the chance to visit the lovely grounds and sculptures. Apparently the exhibits change from time to time, and there is a shop and gallery on site.
The gardens are quite lovely and well maintained. We took a docent led tour that gave us a look inside the chapel in which the artist used to pray, as well as inside the home.
I visited on museum day which allows for free entry, however, the regular admission is only $5.
I plan to visit again to get a more in depth look at this talented and inspiried artist. -
Review from Emily W.
Atlanta, GA
1/11/2010
DONT MISS the current exhibition-Maidens and Monsters-it is a must see. And try out the Theremin-close your eyes, imagine yourself in outer space! The tour of the home was perfect-not too long and informative. It was a little too cold when we went, but I can't wait to go back in spring when everything is blooming.
Listed in: Art in Town
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Review from Alice H.
Seattle, WA
3/12/2010
Very nice little museum with a good combination of the old (Polasek's work) and a fun exhibit with a sci fi twist on Monsters and Maidens...plus a nice garden along the water. Totally enjoyed this. Worth a visit
