History:
The mission of the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is:
To promote the legacy of internationally known sculptor, Albin Polasek, N.A. and to encourage study, appreciation and the furtherance of representational art.
In 1961, the Albin Polasek Foundation was founded by the sculptor and his wife, and at that time, the Residence, Galleries, Chapel and Gardens were opened to the public as a museum. Because it was originally intended as a simple residence, the property is different from the standard Florida estate. The residence is not lavish, as Polasek had a deep appreciation for an uncomplicated aesthetic. Similarly, the gardens are quiet and subdued, utilizing gardening art in classic form.
The Foundation has contributed to the culture of Winter Park and Central Florida in many ways, including the donation of sculptures Forest Idyl and Emily Fountain to the City of Winter Park; long-term loan of Man Carving His Own Destiny to the Winter Park Public Library; art scholarships to the University of Central Florida, Rollins College and Crealde School of Art. Other contributions have been granted to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Brown University and the Art Institute of Chicago. A sister city relationship between the City of Winter Park and Polasek’s hometown of Frenstat, Moravia, was established in 1996.
Beginning in 1998, the museum’s staff and Board of Directors renewed their commitment to actively promote Albin Polasek’s legacy based on a coordinated, long-range improvement plan. The plan focuses on renovating and expanding the museum, increasing public awareness of the museum, and developing cultural and educational programs. Through their efforts, the museum was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. In addition, Albin Polasek was granted posthumously the honor of Great Floridian 2000 and was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004. A museum assessment (MAP I) and collection assessment (CAP) have been completed as part of the American Association of Museums ongoing assistance program. In 2001 a facilities assessment was conducted, thanks in part to a grant from the State of Florida, Division of Historical Resources. Phase I of Stabilization and Restoration work has been completed, funded in part by a DHR grant for $243,000. The Foundation continues fundraising for the preservation of this modest estate, the restoration of Polasek’s art collection and the advancement of his legacy.
Exciting Updates We are thrilled to share recent highlights and upcoming events at The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden. Your support and enthusiasm continue to inspire us, and we’re excited to bring you these updates! YOUTH…
Read More »THE EMILY FOUNTAIN RESTORATION INITIATIVE Special thanks to @orlandoharpist (Christine MacPhail) for lending her amazing talent and harmonizing with Emily in our courtyard, bridging the past and present through the universal language of music. …
Read More »The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is very pleased to present 'Gordon Parks: Power of Photography' featuring the 1943 photo essay by Gordon Parks documenting Mary McLeod Bethune, the school she founded, Bethune-Cookman University, and…
Read More »Find Your Perfect Piece Add some color to your walls! Don't miss your chance to support these talented painters and bring home an original piece of art. To view and purchase the available works, visit winterparkpaintout.org/. Remember, these…
Read More »Last week's Winter Park Paint Out was a truly memorable event, celebrating the beauty and creativity of plein air art. If you didn't get a chance to purchase a piece during the event, we have great news-the artwork is still available for sale!…
Read More »These talented artists have created captivating works that capture the essence of the plein air style, from vibrant landscapes to charming urban scenes. Each piece is a unique snapshot of a moment in time, bringing the beauty of the outdoors into…
Read More »We hope you had as much fun at the Winter Park Paint Out as we did! It was an incredible week filled with art, creativity, and community. If you couldn't make it to the event or simply want to add more art to your collection, there's still time to…
Read More »The Winter Park Paint Out was a wonderful celebration of art and creativity, and we're thrilled to offer you the chance to own a piece of this amazing event. Each day this week, we'll be spotlighting four artists whose works are still available for…
Read More »Winter Park Paint Out. The 16th annual Winter Park Paint Out is in full swing! There’s still plenty of time to catch some amazing art, and we've got something for everyone. If you missed any of our events this week, here's a recap of what…
Read More »IT'S LIVE! We are so excited to share the project we have been working on for the last few months! A special thanks to our amazing team (particularly Hal and Michelle) who made this redesign possible. Click here to View More…
Read More »Happy Birthday Albin Polasek! On February 14th we celebrated Albin Polasek's 145th birthday! As custodians of his remarkable legacy, we're privileged to share his extraordinary artistry with the world! Happy Birthday, Albin Polasek! Your brilliance…
Read More »Family Day Over 250 community members gathered at the museum to immerse themselves in Japanese Culture and explore our captivating Embroidery Exhibition. From engaging Japanese Martial Arts demonstrations to hands-on activities like painting and…
Read More »Capen Open Anniversary On October 3rd, we joyously celebrated the 8th Anniversary of Capen House, a milestone that marks the enduring charm and history of this beloved site. Today this venue is the host to weddings, holiday parties, business events…
Read More »Dear Albin Polasek Museum Members and Friends, We hope this message finds you well. We have exciting updates and events to share with you as we celebrate the anniversary of the Capen House and continue our mission of preserving Albin Polasek's…
Read More »JAPANESE EMBROIDERY: A JOURNEY OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION Featuring the masterful works of Winter Park resident, Karyn Plater, this exhibition explores the thousand-year-old technique of traditional Japanese embroidery, nihon shishu. Characterized…
Read More »Ensuring the Beauty of the Emily Fountain! This month, our dedicated Curator and interns put their hearts into preserving the grace of the Emily Fountain. As a cherished piece of our museum, this bronze masterpiece receives careful attention every…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "Albin Polasek Museum And Sculpture Gardens Newsletter - July 2023"
Read More »Thank you for supporting The Albin Polasek Museum by participating in our 15th Annual Winter Park Paint Out! Rain and shine, we hope you enjoyed the beautiful paintings created by our twenty-four wonderful artists! We sold a record 123 paintings…
Read More »Curated Collections Didn't make it to the Paint Out this year? You can still purchase art from the week until Wednesday, May 31! Visit our website to see what's available, or browse collections curated by our staff just for you. Click here for…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "Polasek Museum - Upcoming Events"
Read More »Curated Collections Didn't make it to the Paint Out this year? You can still purchase art from the week! Visit our website to see what's available, or browse collections curated by our staff just for you. Click here to Read more Information About…
Read More »Curated Collections Didn't make it to the Paint Out this year? You can still purchase art from the week! Visit our website to see what's available, or browse collections curated by our staff just for you. Around Town Are you a Winter…
Read More »Introducing: Curated Collections Didn't make it to the Paint Out this year? You can still purchase art from the week! Visit our website to see what's available, or browse collections curated by our staff just for you. In the Garden The…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About "Albin Polasek Museum And Sculpture Gardens Newsletter - May 2023"
Read More »The 2023 Winter Park Paint Out will feature a number of demonstration events. All painting demonstrations are FREE to the public and take place at the Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. Learn…
Read More »Albin Polasek Museum And Sculpture Gardens Newsletter - April 2023 15th annual Winter Park Paint Out FREE Admission to the Gallery and Gardens all week! April 23rd-29th 2023 Please join us for our 15th annual Paint Out fundraiser! All…
Read More »15th annual Winter Park Paint Out FREE Admission to the Gallery and Gardens all week! April 23rd-29th 2023 Please join us for our 15th annual Paint Out fundraiser! All week long we will have twenty-four professionally-acclaimed plein air…
Read More »Thanks for joining us! Big thank you to everyone who joined us for the All that Glitters: The Society of Gilders members reception. We hope you enjoyed an evening filled with inspiring art, and compelling conversations! Not a member? Learn more…
Read More »N E W E X H I B I T All that Glitters: The Society of Gilders December 13, 2022 – April 16, 2023 Gilding or “gilt,” is a decorative technique for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfaces such as wood, stone, or…
Read More »Give the gift of art and inspiration! A membership to The Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden is the perfect gift for any art enthusiast, growing family or curious flora explorer. With a membership, they will enjoy unlimited free…
Read More »Among the Chaos: Gilbert Salinas August 30 - December 4, 2022 Please join us for the final weekend of Among the Chaos! In this body of work, the mixed media artist Gilbert Salinas poses the dichotomy that coexists in constant opposition within…
Read More »Bank of America Museum on Us Weekend Saturday, December 3rd, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, December 4th, 1 to 4 p.m. Bank of America cardholders can visit us for FREE this weekend! Thank you to the Bank of America Museums on Us program for…
Read More »Bank of America Museum on Us Weekend Saturday, November 5th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 6th, 1 to 4 p.m. Bank of America cardholders can visit us for FREE this weekend! Thank you to the Bank of America Museums on Us program for making this…
Read More »Thanks for joining us! Big thank you to everyone who joined us for the Among the Chaos by Gilbert Salinas members reception. We hope you enjoyed an evening filled with inspiring art, compelling conversations, and wine! Not a member? Learn more…
Read More »Thank you for your patience as we’ve taken the time to properly assess and clean our grounds following hurricane Ian to ensure the safety of our wonderful visitors. We are excited to announce that we will be resuming normal hours starting…
Read More »Among the Chaos: Gilbert Salinas August 30 - December 4, 2022 In this body of work, the mixed media artist Gilbert Salinas poses the dichotomy that coexists in constant opposition within humans: the purely biological aspects that concern us as…
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