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Museum and sculpture garden · Winter Park, Florida
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Home, studio, and gardens of Czech‑American sculptor Albin Polasek on the shore of Lake Osceola, with about 200 works by the artist, outdoor sculpture gardens, and a historic house that was transported by boat across the lake to the property.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Albin Polasek was born in 1879 in Moravia, now part of the Czech Republic, emigrated to the United States, led the sculpture department at the Art Institute of Chicago for decades, and moved to Winter Park in 1950. At the house on the shore of Lake Osceola he continued to work and, in 1961, opened his home and studio to the public.
The roughly 1.2‑hectare property includes gardens with the artist’s outdoor sculptures, a butterfly garden, two water gardens, and a collection of cycads, all overlooking the lake. The permanent collection holds about 200 pieces—sculptures and paintings as well as personal objects—and the house and studio preserve the environment in which he worked.
The site also includes the Capen‑Showalter House, a Winter Park historic home that was saved from demolition, cut in two, and transported by boat across the lake to the museum grounds. The property has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2000.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning, from October to April, to enjoy the gardens with less heat; check opening days.
How to get there
It’s on Osceola Avenue, a few blocks from Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park. You can walk there from downtown; parking is available on site.
Tip
Combine it with Park Avenue and the Morse Museum, which are a few minutes’ walk away.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Who was Albin Polasek?
A sculptor born in Moravia in 1879 who headed the sculpture department at the Art Institute of Chicago and lived in Winter Park from 1950 onward.
What can you see at the Albin Polasek Museum?
The artist’s house and studio, about 200 works, lakeside sculpture gardens on Lake Osceola, and the historic Capen‑Showalter House.
Is the Polasek Museum near Park Avenue?
Yes, just a few blocks away in downtown Winter Park.