633 Osceola Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
407-647-6294
The Winter Park, Florida retirement home of internationally acclaimed sculptor Albin Polasek has become one of the region’s preeminent cultural spots: The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens. About 200 of the 400 works attributed to the Czech-born artist are on the museum property, including his signature, award-winning sculpture, Man Carving His Own Destiny. Polasek retired to Winter Park in 1950 and opened his three-acre estate to the public in 1961. Following his death in 1965, his studio, home and galleries were opened to the public and the museum was created. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Exhibition Schedule
- Camps, Rental Facilities
- Decorated Eggs of Europe and America
- Photo Tour of the Museum & Gardens
Albin Polasek was born in Moravia, the Czech Republic (1879-1961). He immigrated to the US in 1901 to work as a wood carver. His exceptional talent soon became apparent and following studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and American Academy in Rome, he started a studio in New York. In 1916 he became head of the Department of Sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago, a position he held until 1943. Shortly after moving to Winter Park in 1950, Polasek suffered a paralyzing stroke yet completed 18 additional major works. In March 2004 Polasek was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, that state’s most prestigious cultural honor.
The gallery and gardens are open September1 through June 30, as follows:
- Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- $5.00 adults
- $4.00 seniors
- $3.00 students
- Members and children younger than 12 are free
July 1 through August 31 the gardens are open free of charge:
- Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What's Nearby:
National Register of Historic Places:Next page > Camps, Weddings, Volunteering
