Museums in Orlando

To get a real sense of Orlando's cultural depth, turn to the city's museums. From artistic masterpieces to scientific revelations, Orlando's museums capture history. Its unconventional lenses offer visitors a glimpse into city lore through unseen perspectives.

Embark on your Orlando museum adventure by pinning down your first stop. We’ve compiled a list of things to do in Orlando, from the ethereal to the prehistoric.

Art Museums

Your inner art lover comes out to play at these museums that capture the spirit of Orlando's creative scene. Traverse galleries with renowned works and step into a glowing world of industrial masterpieces. These monuments to creativity are one of the best things for adults to do in Orlando.

1. Mennello Museum of American Art

Explore the works of American artists throughout the centuries at the Mennello Museum of American Art. The museum does an excellent job highlighting the cultural diversity of the United States and explaining how it informs our artistic traditions.

The space is compact and thoughtfully laid out, giving you plenty of room to examine paintings up close. Don't end your visit without exploring the museum grounds, which feature a sculpture garden and a spectacular live oak tree.

In the market for a low-cost activity? This is a great option. It's one of the most affordable museums in Orlando, Florida. Keep an eye out for the occasional family day when admission is free, and your kids can participate in hands-on art activities.

2. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, more commonly known as the Morse Museum, is one of the top hidden gems of Orlando. It showcases the colorful work of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the creator of the iconic Tiffany lamp.

The displays trace Tiffany's artistic journey from painting to glassmaking. Check out the awe-inspiring chapel he designed for the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, see one-of-a-kind lamps, and examine some of the pieces the artist chose to decorate his own home.

The Morse Museum also hosts a collection of American sculptures and paintings, as well as an eclectic display of European glass and ceramic pieces. You'll see items by John Singer Sargent, William Morris, René Lalique, and Carl Fabergé.

3. Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

Soak in the Florida sunshine as you explore the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. A network of paths crosses the lush grounds, leading to secret thickets and quiet clearings.

Sculptures by Albin Polasek hide around every corner. It's a rare opportunity to see such a dense concentration of the artist's masterful work. Lake Osceola sits nearby, creating a serene atmosphere.

The museum itself is located in Polasek's former home, a grand historic space that was built in 1949. A docent-led tour is included in the price of admission. Our favorite part is the artist's studio, which features soaring ceilings and examples of his paintings, sketches, and molds.

4. Orlando Museum of Art

The best of human artistry is on full display at the Orlando Museum of Art. Chart a path across galleries filled with entrancing abstract art and contemporary portraiture. A rotating mix of special exhibits covers everything from the soul of the American experience to the hidden beauty of the mundane.

Within its walls, the OMA showcases talent born and nurtured right in the city, giving local artists a space to explore their experiences.

Looking for a way to flex your creative muscles? Get involved at an OMA-hosted workshop for a discovery of your own artistic abilities. Guided by an artistic pro, you'll sit down with a sketchbook in front of a thought-provoking masterpiece. You'll learn the delicate art of watercolor and set forth on an exclusive tour of the galleries.

For even more involvement in this cultural landmark, reserve a spot in the book club for a round of engrossing literary gossip. Or, save your visit for symphony night and enjoy a transformative audio-visual performance.

Space and Science Museums

Science museums turn a simple excursion into an exciting educational adventure. With interactive exhibits and mind-boggling topics, these spots challenge your mind and pique your curiosity.

5. Orlando Science Center

A little mad science never hurt anyone, right? At the Orlando Science Center, you'll find yourself hypnotized by the bewitching majesty of the natural world. Take a step into prehistoric times, get to know the breathtaking wonders of the biosphere, and uncover the mysteries of your own backyard through a series of vibrant, interactive experiences.

Visitors of any age will appreciate the thoughtfully curated exhibits. They're immersive and engaging while showcasing feats of scientific discovery.

Hands-on programs will lead you far beyond the exhibition, from a wacky experiment lab to a high-flying flight simulator. Once you've made your final scientific breakthrough, take your seat in the in-house theater to catch a showing of a fascinating documentary on everything from penguins to architectural curiosities.

Through interactive discoveries and detailed scientific exploration, the Orlando Science Center combines learning and entertainment into a museum-going experience that's both unconventional and completely alluring.

Local History Museums

Florida has a long, rich history that's filled with remarkable civilizations and thrilling escapades. If you’re looking for things to do in Orlando to take you back in time, the history museums are a perfect fit, explaining everything that led up to the creation of this modern-day vacation hot spot.

6. Orange County Regional History Center

The Orange County Regional History Center presents an encyclopedic look at the history made on Orlando soil. Housed in an old courthouse practically vibrating with historic energy, this gallery space brings the city's rich background into the spotlight through a series of engaging exhibits.

Here, you can explore the vast web of factors that turned Orlando into the cultural dreamland it is today. From aviation to citrus fruits, visitors get the inside scoop on the elements that transformed the city from an agricultural powerhouse to a thrilling wonderland.

Start your historical journey by discovering how Black history guided the growth of central Florida. Take a closer look at the lifestyles of the state's indigenous peoples. Then, uncover the secrets of Orlando's rich transportation legacy, from the horse and buggy to the steam engine.

The heart and soul of this museum shine through in each elaborate exhibit — all dedicated to preserving Orange County's vibrant history for future generations.

Specialty-Themed Museums

Orlando is known for its over-the-top entertainment options, and its museum scene is no different. The city has an unusually good selection of specialty museums. Each one draws you deep into a single topic, providing little-known facts and unique experiences.

If you're looking for unique things to do in Orlando, either on your own or with the family, start with our favorite themed museums.

7. Disney's Hollywood Studios: Walt Disney Presents

Walt Disney, the creator of Disney, brought to life the magical characters and worlds so beloved across the globe today. At Disney's Hollywood Studios Walt Disney Presents, visitors get a glimpse at the man who used his imagination to build a kingdom.

Start your voyage through this gallery, charting Disney's course from a small town to Orlando and beyond. Bursting with rare artifacts from Disney's personal collection, this exhibition offers a look at his history.

You'll get to know the man behind the magic as a friend of your own by observing hand-drawn sketches, family photos, and one-of-a-kind costumes. Before you go, sit for a screening featuring rare audio recordings and videos that enhance Disney's legendary story.

Visitors of all ages are immersed in exhibits and rare displays telling Disney's creative adventure. You need a Disney's Hollywood Studios ticket to partake in this exploration of an iconic figure in art history.

8. Orlando Fire Museum

Find out what goes into fighting fires in Florida's hot climate at the Orlando Fire Museum. The tiny building was once a working firehouse. Today, it's overflowing with interesting artifacts and informative displays. Former firefighters are usually on hand to answer questions and provide insight.

We love the historic fire vehicles, which are beautiful and polished to a shine. Hours are limited, which makes sense. This museum is one of the only free ones in Orlando, and it's run by volunteers. If you love the experience, you can support the museum by making a donation or buying merchandise in the gift shop.

9. Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture

Find out what life was like for Black Americans in the segregated South at the Wells'Built Museum. The museum's story starts with the building it occupies. The former Wells’Built Hotel was built in 1926 as a safe accommodation option for African Americans visiting Orlando.

Many of the rooms have been decorated to look as they would have appeared to famous guests, including Ella Fitzgerald, Jackie Robinson, B.B. King, and Ray Charles. The museum is small but exemplary, with exhibits that detail the African American experience in Florida.

If you can, book a tour. It's the perfect way to hear the remarkable stories behind the displays.

10. Chocolate Museum & Café

The Chocolate Museum & Café is one of the coolest museums in Orlando — and the most delicious. Start your visit with a guided tour of the museum. A staff member will explain where this sweet treat came from and how it evolved to the form we enjoy today.

The most interesting part, however, is the sculpture gallery. There, you'll see incredibly detailed global icons built entirely of chocolate. Suppress the urge to snack on the white-chocolate spires of the Taj Mahal. After the tour, you'll enter the tasting room and enjoy a few mouthwatering samples.

The entire experience is fun for the whole family and takes about 45 minutes. Make sure to stop off in the café to pick up a tasty souvenir.

11. Historic Leu House Museum

In the 1800s, the Historic Leu House Museum sat at the center of a large plantation. Today, it offers visitors an opportunity to see how wealthy immigrants in Florida lived before the turn of the century.

Each room has been decorated and furnished to reflect the style of the time. You must take a guided tour to visit. Keep in mind there are stairs involved. Strollers and wheelchairs will not be able to make it to the second floor of the museum.

The grounds are the true highlight of the museum. Large and lush, they feature an abundance of tropical plants and spectacular gardens. You can easily spend an hour or more strolling along the paths and stopping to admire the different displays.

Insider Tips for Enjoying Orlando's Museums

Museum-going is almost an art form in itself. Before your trip, nail down your itinerary in advance to make sure no exhibit goes unexamined. Check visitation hours and secure your tickets before you go. Staying up to date on museum events ensures you don't miss out on a special program that will make your visit even sweeter.

Why not make a day out of your historic discoveries? With cozy cafes and local restaurants in every pocket of the city, pop in to feed your stomach after you've fed your mind. That way, you'll get to explore Orlando's delicacies all in one swoop.

If you've opted for a magical Disney expedition, take the opportunity to explore the park and turn your museum day into a spellbinding memory.

Embrace Orlando's Cultural Diversity

Individuality and curiosity combine to form a cultural landscape that transcends traditional norms. A trip to these museums gives you a peek at what makes Orlando one of the nation's wildest destinations. Visit a museum here for an experience that'll entertain and educate you.

Theme parks have turned Orlando into a shimmering gem of a city. Go beyond the rides to explore the cultural wonders that deepen its dazzling charm. Whether it's a fascinating museum, an unconventional dining experience, or a high-flying acrobatics performance, activities galore await your arrival.

Ready to have your breath taken away by the spectacular feats of our shows in Orlando? Reserve your tickets today to take part in this thrilling journey with all your favorite Disney friends.