Best Arts and Culture Places in Orlando

"Originally established to preserve Earl Cunningham paintings, The Mennello Museum of American Art, housed in what was once the private home of Howard Phillips, uses its unique space to display American art of all genres and time periods. Marrying art and nature, visitors have the opportunity to experience exceptional exhibits with the beautiful backdrop of Lake Formosa. The Smithsonian American Art Museum Affiliate showcases notable exhibitions, but just as lovely is enjoying the grounds with a picnic lunch and reveling in the charm of the 350-year-old live oak affectionately deemed “the Mayor."

"Every second Sunday of the month, Mennello Musem of American Artholds a free family fun day. Families will get to create a free miniature art project and take a family friendly docent led tour of the museum. Location: 900 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FLPhone: (407) 246-4278Cost: Adults $5/Kids 6-17 $1 (Family Fundays are FREE for everyone)"

"By Ebyabe (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons. Located just north of downtown Orlando on the shore of Lake Formosa is The Mennello Museum of American Art. The Mennello Museum of American Art showcases changing exhibitions featuring American art of all styles and periods, including travelling shows."

"Founded in 1924, Orlando's grand and blindingly white center for the arts boasts a fantastic collection – both permanent and temporary – and hosts an array of adult and family-friendly art events and classes. The popular First Thursday ($10), from 6pm to 9pm on the first Thursday of the month, celebrates local artists with regional work, live music and food from Orlando restaurants."

"At their downtown Orlando headquarters and gallery, aka Snap!. Space, this organization exhibits more than 100 international photographers and multimedia artists. Their mission focuses on discovering and cultivating emerging talent while promoting appreciation of photography and art worldwide."

"has gained recognition from the NY Times, BBC News, and TheHuffington Post, to name a few. Truly one of the city’s most impressive artistic endeavors, spearheaded by director and curator Patrick Kahn, Snap!. Orlando is actually two galleries, Snap!"

"With a collection of over 200 works by the award-winning, internationally recognized Czech-born sculptor Albin Polasek, the museum not only offers a reprieve for art lovers but nature lovers as well. Located on beautiful Lake Osceola, the sculptor’s home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits amid breathtaking grounds. Take a guided tour through the three-acre sculpture gardens, find serenity in the chapel, or simply linger along the tree-lined paths while enjoying one of Central Florida’s spectacular sun-filled days."

"Born in 1879 in what is now known as the Czech Republic, internationally acclaimed sculptor Albin Polasek emigrated to the U.S. in his early 20s. During his long career, he created more than 400 works of art — and you can view nearly half of them at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park, about 20 minutes north of International Drive. Learn more: Winter Park"

"Holy Grain Coffee Shop is a cozy, contemporary coffee bar that offers a variety of coffee beverages, including specialty drinks such as the unique Brazilian Cappuccino, along with gourmet sandwiches and fresh salads in a comfy atmosphere. The menu features favorites like standard Americano, espresso, cappuccino, and macchiato, along with mocha latte, green tea latte, lime espresso and frappes, along with farm-to-table fare such as gourmet salads and sandwiches. Holy Grain Coffee Shop is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, Monday through Sunday."

"The girl that took our order took it and when we sat down told us to leave in 5 minutes. At 6 sharp she literally kicked us out. Turn off the lights, gra..."

"Historic Eatonville is one of the oldest African-American communities in the United States, and you’ll find it just 25 minutes north of International Drive. Incorporated in 1887, the town also served as the childhood home of seminal author Zora Neale Hurston (Their Eyes Were Watching God). Today, Eatonville honors Huston’s legacy with the annual ZORA!"

"The Zora Neale Hurston Festival is an internationally known celebration of the cultural contributions that Africa-descended people have made to the United States and to world culture."

"Located in the Visual Arts Building of the University of Central Florida, the U.C.F. Art Gallery extends beyond the students and faculty to members of the community as an incentive to draw dialogue between viewers and artists. Unique collections and traveling exhibits strive to create community engagement in the arts. Admission is free Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m."

"Located in the Visual Arts Building of the University of Central Florida. The U.C.F. Art Gallery extends beyond the students. The faculty to members of the community as an incentive to draw dialogue."

"A bit fancied up, to be sure, plated to perfection, but solid, succulent seafood that tastes somehow traditional, whether your grandpa's fishing trips culminated in Low Country boils spilled out on a hastily covered picnic table or a big, steamy, serving dish downloaded with garlicky, buttery clams over linguine. Reel Fish will feel a tad familiar to fans of the Ravenous Pig, which abandoned this, it's original location, for more expansive digs up the street. It's a tad beachier now, and they pile the fries high alongside the okra and tomatoes that go with the whole fried fish."

"Enjoy the best sustainably sourced seafood in Orlando at one of our favorite Winter Park restaurants. The relaxed coastal chic atmosphere will give you the beach vibes you want on a weekend. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 3pm, featuring popular specialties such as Shrimp & Avocado Toast, Florida Shrimp & Grits, Crab Cakes Benedict and Fried Chicken & Waffles."

"Florida fish camps are the inspiration behind Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen and Bar. Almost all of the fish on the menu are sustainably sourced from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The restaurant boasts a fantastic happy hour on Tuesday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm."