Museums are the cultural hubs of Lakeland. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about Swan City or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 13 museums to visit in and around Lakeland.
Arts and architecture
Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St. | Free
Formerly known as the Polk Museum of Art, this is the spot to see rotating + permanent exhibits featuring mediums from paintings and photography to quilts and pottery. You can also take gallery tours with docents, Florida Southern College students, or the museum’s curator.
Don’t miss: Works by Polk County students in the George W. Jenkins Student Gallery.
Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, 840 Johnson Ave. | $15-$125
Florida Southern College is the world’s largest single-site collection of works designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Take a self-guided or in-depth tour of his structures, or see photographs + drawings in the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center.
Don’t miss: The Water Dome, a fountain that was once Wright’s largest water feature.
Wonder House, 1075 Mann Rd., Bartow | $10-$40
Take a tour to see three floors of this unusual home built in the 1920s by Conrad Schuck and his family. Previous owners have given tours since 1934.
Don’t miss: A collection of oddities throughout the house, like taxidermied animals.
Mulberry Cultural Center, 103 E. Canal St., Mulberry | Free
You’ll find a new art exhibit every six weeks, meaning it’s worth a repeat visit. Head here to see eclectic works by local artists, from painters to photographers.
Don’t miss: Interactive classes where anyone can become a featured artist.
Historic L.B. Brown House, 470 L.B. Brown Ave., Bartow | Free
This home was built in 1892 by Lawrence Bernard Brown, who was born into slavery. Brown went on to become a successful businessman and leader in Bartow, and his house is one of the only homes remaining in Florida that was built + owned by a former enslaved person. Drop in or schedule a tour to see his handiwork throughout the Victorian-style architecture.
Don’t miss: The L.B. Brown Heritage Festival, which takes place each February.
History
Lakeland History & Culture Center, 100 Lake Morton Dr. | Free
Visit this center inside the Lakeland Public Library’s Main Branch to learn about our city’s past through interactive displays. The current exhibit, “Ties That Bind,” covers the city’s beginning from 1880-1925.
Don’t miss: The Lakeland History Room, where you can research your own family’s past using city archives.
Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow | Free
Our county’s history extends far past its creation in the 1800s. The History Center displays artifacts like a Paleoindian canoe from 1,500 years ago.
Don’t miss: Monthly architectural tours with the center’s curator. He leads the tour in character as E.C. Hosford, who designed the building in 1908.
Mulberry Phosphate Museum, 101 SE 1st St., Mulberry | Free
Did you know that Mulberry is known as the “phosphate capital of the world?” Dig into the history of mining in the area, plus historic mining towns.
Don’t miss: The Fossil Gallery inside a historic train depot, which features prehistoric fossils of land and sea animals.
The Historic Baynard House, 208 W. Lake Ave., Auburndale | Free
This 1894 home offers a peek into Polk’s past, thanks to the preservation work of Auburndale citizens. Schedule a group or private tour with the city to get a look inside the Folk Victorian-style home and learn about Auburndale’s history.
Don’t miss: The family objects in the upstairs bedrooms that make it appear like the Baynards still live in the home.
Luster African American History Museum, 585 E. Summerlin St., Bartow | Free
Browse artifacts and exhibits that highlight “the struggles and triumphs of the African American community” in Polk County and beyond. The museum is open to visitors to drop in, and guided tours are also available by appointment.
Don’t miss: Artifacts donated by locals, including art, music, and home goods.
Find this 100-ft Blinky playground at Florida Children’s Museum.
Photo by @lkldlense
Kids
Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd. | $16-$20
Children of all ages can explore this 47,800-sqft facility inside Bonnet Springs Park that’s packed with interactive exhibits. The daily schedule also includes activities like STEM challenges and storytimes.
Don’t miss: The Harrell Family Charities Front Yard, featuring the climbable Blinky the Alligator.
Florida Air Museum, 4075 James C. Ray Dr. | $10-$15
Visitors of all ages will enjoy the collection of airplanes from Florida’s long aviation history, and kids will love the family-friendly Discovery Zone.
Don’t miss: Events for families like Story Time and Wings ‘n Waffles.
Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. | Free
Stop upstairs at the Welcome Center to learn about the park’s location as a former rail yard in the Watson Clinic History Gallery. Then, travel across the park to the Nature Center to see + hear what kinds of animals call Florida home.
Don’t miss: Each center’s interactive elements, like the miniature train or the alligator that makes noise.
What to bring
Whether you’re heading to check out the latest art showcase or ready to marvel through historic architecture, have these essentials on hand while you venture through your local museums:
- Stay hydrated while you peruse ancient artifacts with this 64 oz leak proof glass jug with versatile lids for easy use.
- Pack light and breeze through security screenings using this clear, waterproof cross sling bag to comfortably carry your valuables.
- Don’t forget to pack snacks for the tours — like these low calorie, low sugar KIND Bar minis that give your taste buds the perfect salty/sweet combo.
- Your feet will be ready to conquer the world when you wear this pair of New Balance women’s sneakers that give all day support and cushion.
- These quick drying cargo shorts by Wrangler give a relaxed and comfortable fit and feature extra pockets for easy storage of car keys, cell phones, and a museum guide.
- Use the thick lined pages of this compact style, vegan leather journal to capture your thoughts as you spectate whimsical paintings and statues.
What did we miss? If you know a museum that’s not on the list, let us know.
