Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens (633 Osceola Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789) were founded in 1961. It's home to an art collection created by award-winning, internationally recognized, Czech-born American sculptor Albin Polasek. The museum’s primary exhibit is American representational sculpture, with over 200 works by Polasek. The museum also exhibits contemporary art in all mediums in its gallery space. Guided tours of the historic Polasek residence and chapel are hallmarks of this museum, as well as its breathtaking sculpture garden located on Lake Osceola. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of only 30 members of the National Trust’s Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios.

Here are five notable events to mark on your calendar and not miss:

Mingle at the Museum Thursday, September 12, 2013, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. $5.00 Cover. Come and explore the best kept secret in Winter Park for an evening of networking, poetry, sculpture, and cocktails. Bring your business cards, garden friendly shoes and be ready to get your mingle on! Enjoy complimentary appetizers and live poetry readings throughout the night as you peruse the Polasek’s newest gallery exhibit. Then grab a cocktail and head out into the magnificent sculpture gardens for a sunset stroll overlooking Lake Osceola. Bring your friends and colleagues to network with other young professionals from the central Florida area and let the Polasek surprise you! Cash bar and valet parking provided, with proceeds benefiting the not-for-profit museum.

Museum Day September 28, 2013, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. A celebration of culture, learning, and the dissemination of knowledge, Smithsonian Magazine’s “Museum Day” reflects the spirit of the magazine with free admission to participating institutions. Last year over 100,000 people visited museums on this day in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Visit www.smithsonianmag.com for more information. There will be a hands-on art activity for all ages, families are encouraged to participate, and sculpture-related art demonstrations on site.

Ayako Yonetani at the Polasek: Exclusive Chamber Concert Series. Limited to 50 seats, the performance is followed by a private reception. Cost: Museum Members $80 for three concert series or $30 per concert. Non Members $90 for three concert series or $35 per concert

• Sunday, November 10, 2013, 2:00 p.m. Guest artist: Dr. Mauricio Cespedes, Viola, Viola Principal of the Orlando Philharmonic, and Mr. Scott Kluksdahl, cello, USF's Theodore and Vennette Askounes-Ashford Distinguished Scholar 
• Sunday, January 19, 2014, 2:00 p.m. Guest artist: Mr. Lyman Brodie, Vice Provost of UCF, and also principal trumpet of the Orlando Philharmonic.
• Sunday, March 23, 2014, 2:00 p.m. Guest artists TBA

Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade December 14, 2013, 5 p.m. -Sundown. In conjunction with the Rotary Club of Winter Park , the Polasek hosts the 10th annual Winter Park Boat Parade viewed from the lush Museum grounds on the shore of Lake Osceola. The Winter Park Boat Parade and Festival of Lights is a fun, community-wide water parade with holiday-themed and lighted boats along the lakes’ shorelines. The Polasek Museum is the location of the official viewing station and judging stand for the Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade, where the festivities continue with live music, face painting, a sculpture Christmas tree unveiling, and Santa, bringing the holiday spirit of the season to life. Boats will be judges at approximately 6:30 p.m. Admission to the Polasek Gardens for the Parade is FREE. Limited onsite parking. CALL FOR BOATS: Organizers of the event are seeking resident and business boat entries. For resident boats, there is no entry fee, and all local licensed area boat owners are invited to participate. Boat registration is required with applications available by contacting wpboatparade.com or call 407-647-6294.

Valentine’s Day February 14, 2014. Bring someone you love to the Polasek Museum and celebrate the special day in a unique way. With free admission in honor of Albin Polasek’s birthday, February 14, 1879, treat your sweetie or just treat yourself. Bring your own picnic and enjoy the gardens, or have your picture taken by a truly romantic sculpture, Polasek’s “Eternal Moment,” depicting a kissing couple. Happy 135th birthday Albin.