Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park

The Morse Museum of American Art is unlike other art galleries in that the interior is warm and inviting, rather than sterile and cold. The walls are a dark, rich color and small rooms connect to each other by chunky, arched doorways. Another surprising discovery you find at this museum is that Louis Comfort Tiffany, whose work comprises most of the collection, was not just a maker of gaudy lamps! He created clean, beautiful paintings, luxurious church windows, and best of all, whole landscapes and interiors that reflected the quiet beauty of nature and water. Items from his Long Island country estate called Laurelton Hall were saved and brought here, and reassembled. Information and photos of the estate allow you to imagine that you are really there, as do the huge windows looking out on the courtyard that make you feel like the Daffodil Terrace really is outdoors. Tiffany had an interesting life, as did the Morse family, and it's fascinating to read the exhibits about their history.

Besides Tiffany's work, there are other works of art featured that complement the overall feel of the museum. There is a delightful Art Deco room with glassware and pottery. 
Tiffany's chapel interior that he created for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair is also displayed here, with its stained glass windows, chandelier, and altar decorated with mosaics and jewels. 
After your visit, have a cup of tea on Park Ave, while you watch the elegant people and fresh-faced students walking by.

Directions

Morse Museum of American Art is located at 445 N. Park Ave, Winter Park FL 32789, call (407) 645-5311. There is parking behind the museum, off Canton Ave. You can also park in the public lot on the southwest corner of Canton Ave and Park Ave. 
Open 9:30-4 Tues-Sat, 1-4 Sun. Open for longer hours Fridays, Nov-Apr, until 8pm (and admission is free during these longer hours). Closed Mondays. 
Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors aged 60+, and $1 for students with ID. Children under 12 years old enter for free.

Click on map for interactive view