The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens is a sweet little house on a large plot of land on Lake Osceola. It's a treat to be able to take in this place and to learn about this talented artist. Polasek was born in what is now the Czech Republic, studied in Rome, and was head of the sculpture department at the Art Institute of Chicago. He retired to Winter Park, designing this home on the lake. His sculptures are intimate, flowing figures, pleasing to view in such a beautiful setting. He captured a deep and tender connection, with his Eternal Moment sculpture, and the magical love between mother and child with his Mermaid Mama and Mermaid Baby sculpture. His sculptures remind me of Auguste Rodin's works. The beautiful Emily Fountain in Winter Park's Central Park was made by Polasek. Nature, folklore, and Catholic themes permeate his works.

The day I visited the museum was clear and bright, and it was a delight to walk along peacefully beside the lake and contemplate each sculpture. What saddened me though, was that something was amiss- there was a lovely fresco sitting in a side storage area seemingly wasting away, and the little house filled with gorgeous religious art was so dusty it was almost intolerable to stay in there long enough to look at everything.
A completely different type of museum, the Morse Museum of American Art, is also in Winter Park. Check it out too!

Directions

The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens is located at 633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park FL 32789, call (407) 647-6294.
Open T-S 10-4, Sn 1-4. Closed Mondays.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and college students, and $3 for kids aged 5-12 years old.

Click on map for interactive view