From indie to historic to eclectic, Central Florida is home to some of the most interesting museums perfect for a solemn rainy day, weekend visits from mom, or any day-date. And the best perk: none of them are too far from LAL.
We’ve compiled a list of nine museums we think will be worth your while in Central Florida (though the list could go on and on) and the details to prep you before going. So grab your sneakers + camera, and hop in the car for a day well-spent at our Gogh-to museums.
Salvador Dali Museum 📍St. Petersburg
Hours | open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (until 8 p.m. on Thursdays)
Cost | GA - $29 | Seniors, Military, Police, FireFighters + Educators w/ ID - $27 | Students - $20 | Children 6-12 - $12 | Children 5 + under - free
About | The Dali Museum houses a permanent collection of Salvador Dali’s avant-garde sculptures, paintings, photographs, original drawings + prints. The museum also rotates Dali-inspired exhibits (likely following his obscure surrealism) throughout the year.
Current Exhibitions | The Visit, Paul Éluard: Poetry, Politics, Love, Dreams of Dali in Virtual Reality + of course, their permanent collection of Dali’s work.
Florida Holocaust Museum 📍St. Petersburg
Hours | open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.)
Cost | GA - $16 | Seniors - $14 | Students - $10 | Under 18 - $8 | Military, teachers, law enforcement + Under 6 - free
About | As one of the largest Holocaust museums in the country, the FHM is dedicated to honoring the memory of those affected by the Holocaust by simultaneously educating all people who enter their doors of the value of human life.
Current Exhibitions | Their permanent exhibition, Dimensions in Testimony, Kaddish in Wood + The Wartime Escape of Lisl Porges.
Polk County History Center 📍Bartow
Hours | Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost | free
About | Housed in the 1908 Polk County Courthouse, the renovated Polk County History Center has a diverse collection showcasing the different aspects of Central Florida history.
Current Exhibitions | The 19th Amendment at 100 Years: a Milestone of Democracy for Women’s Suffrage, Polk County Crossroads, their permanent collection + more.
Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College 📍Lakeland
Hours | Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Cost | free
About | The PMA is truly a Lakeland gem and as a Smithsonian affiliate, they are able to house some of the most amazing pieces in our area.
Current Exhibitions | Rodin: Contemplation and Dreams, Efflorescence: The Botanical Paintings of Susan Martin, The Von Wagner Code, + more.
Henry B Plant📍Tampa
Hours | Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sunday, 12-5 p.m.
Cost | GA - $12 | Seniors - $10 | Students - $9 | Children (4-12) - $7 | Under 4 - free
About | Held in the Tampa Bay Hotel, the Henry B Plant museum features the elegant lifestyle and furnishings of the first Florida tourists. You can go to see anything from turn-of-the-century couches to statues to vases.
Current Exhibitions | Their permanent collection, Plant’s Southern Empire, Exotic Souvenirs, Tampa Bay Hotel Gardens + more.
Florida Museum of Photographic Art 📍Tampa
Hours | open daily, 12-5 p.m. (7 p.m. on Fridays)
Cost | GA - $10 | Students, Military + Seniors - $8
About | FMoPA is dedicated to the showcase of photographic artists, national + international alike, in a medium that is both a contemporary and historic representation of lifestyle and culture.
Current Exhibitions | Suzanne Camp Crosby: The Art of Life, Children’s Literacy Through Photography + more.
The Ringling📍Sarasota
Hours | Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost | GA - $25 | Seniors - $23 | Military - $15 | Florida Teacher - $10 | Students - $5 | Under 5 - free
About | As a part of FSU, The Ringling Museum is a vast, multifaceted collection of art and education, featuring their Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Ca’D’Zan, Historic Asolo Theater, Education Center + Bayfront Gardens.
Current Exhibitions | Ballroom Florida: Deco & Desire in Japan’s Jazz Age, A Decade of Collecting, Queens of the Air and Empresses of the Arena + more.
Tampa Museum of Art 📍Tampa
Hours | open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (8 p.m. on Thursdays)
Cost | GA - $20 | Seniors + Florida Educators - $12 | Military - $10 | Students - $5 | College Students - free | 6 + under - free
About | This recently re-developed museum (2010) has been nothing short of spectacular for 12 years, presenting the Tampa area with its collection of ancient, modern, and contemporary art. It has become an icon for the area and its setting atop the Hillsborough River gives it that extra flare.
Current Exhibitions | Poetry in Paint: The Artists of Old Tampa Bay, Purvis Young: Redux, The Classical World + more.
Orlando Museum of Art 📍Orlando, FL
Hours | Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Saturday + Sunday, 12-4 p.m.
Cost | GA - $20 | Seniors - $12 | Students - $10 | Military - free | 5 + under - free
About | Dedicated to the presentation of compelling + culturally reflective art, OMA is one of the most inspiring and creative museums in Orlando for past + modern art. They also present new collections every month or so, so there is always something new to see.
Current Exhibitions | American Journey, Soñadora: Yuyi Morales, permanent collections + so much more.
There are so many museums in the Central Florida area and we want to know your favorite and why. Reach out and let us know + don’t forget to tag us in all the photos you’ll want to post at your future museum endeavors. 🎨
