Albin Polasek House and Studio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Winter Park, Florida |
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| Built | 1949 |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000767 |
| Added to NRHP | May 2, 2000 |
The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, often called The Polasek, is a special historic place in Winter Park, Florida. It sits on three acres of land, looking out over Lake Osceola. This museum was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on May 2, 2000. It helps keep the amazing sculptures of Czech artist Albin Polasek safe. The museum also shows art from other artists, both local and from around the world.
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Discovering the Museum's History
The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens opened in 1961. It holds a large collection of American sculptures. These artworks were created by the famous Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek.
Who Was Albin Polasek?
Albin Polasek was born in Moravia in 1879. He moved to the United States in 1901. He started his career as a wood carver. Polasek studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He also attended the American Academy in Rome. For 27 years, he led the sculpture department at the Art Institute of Chicago. He moved to Winter Park in 1950. Polasek passed away in 1965.
Supporting the Museum
The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is a non-profit organization. This means it relies on donations and memberships to operate. All the money received helps the Albin Polasek Foundation. This foundation makes sure the museum and its sculptures are cared for. They also keep the museum running smoothly for everyone to enjoy.
Exploring the Collections and Gardens
The museum is actually Polasek's former home and art studio. It is built in a beautiful Mediterranean style. Many of his original furnishings are still on display. Polasek first opened his home and studio to the public in 1961.
A Special Place for Artists
Today, the museum is part of The Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios (HAHS). This program connects places where famous artists lived and worked. The Polasek Museum is currently the only one in Florida. There are 36 such sites across the country. They include homes and studios of painters, sculptors, and other artists.
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum has about 200 pieces of art. Most of these are sculptures by Albin Polasek himself. You can also see works by his first wife, Ruth Sherwood. The museum also displays ancient items from Polasek's own collection. The galleries often feature new art shows by local artists. These artworks are available for viewing and for sale.
Wandering Through the Gardens
Outside, the sculpture gardens are a wonderful place to explore. You can find a lovely butterfly garden. There are also two peaceful water gardens. Look for the cycad plant collection along the museum's front drive. Many individual container gardens are placed all around the property.
The Capen-Showalter House Story
In 2013, a historic house called the Capen-Showalter House was almost torn down. But the Albin Polasek Museum, the Winter Park History Museum, and other community groups stepped in. They raised $450,000 to save it.
Moving a Historic Home
The house was cut into two parts. Then, it was floated across Lake Osceola to the Polasek Museum property. This amazing project won an award in 2014. It was recognized by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.
What's Inside the House Today?
The Capen-Showalter House is 4,200 square feet in size. It now holds museum offices and special exhibits. Artworks are also displayed inside. The house is used for workshops, meetings, and special events.
Events and Programs at the Museum
The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens hosts exciting events each year.
Winter Park Paint Out
One popular event is the annual Winter Park Paint Out. About 25 artists participate in this event. They have seven days to create artworks outdoors in Winter Park. Once finished, the paintings are shown in the gallery's 'Wet Room'. They are then offered for sale to help support the museum. During this week-long event in April, the museum offers free admission to everyone.
Daily Tours
You can take daily tours of the museum's main collection. Tours of the Capen-Showalter House are also available. These tours are included with your regular admission ticket.
See also
- Forest Idyl
- List of sculpture parks
