Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland

Polk Museum of Art is a lovely museum, a twelve minute walk from Florida Southern College, and near Lake Morton with its sweet shoreline full of birds and swans. Its permanent collection, mostly of ancient clay items of the Americas is small, but its temporary exhibits are first rate. The museum is not musty, which is a rare and a wonderful surprise! Kudos to them for taking care of their AC and building!
When I visited, there was an exhibit of American impressionists set in a particularly dark set of rooms. Upstairs was a glimmering exhibit by Kelly Sturhahn made of black lace and sequins. My favorite exhibit of all were the cut paper collages by Henri Matisse's grandson, Pierre H. Matisse. I LOVED them! They are colorful with clean lines. He learned cut paper collage from his grandpa, who had to switch to that medium when he was ill in his later years. Pierre H. Matisse lived in Lakeland and died in 2019 at the age of 91. Polk Museum of Art has a great gift shop! I bought a music box that became a treasured item in the family, plus a cool birthday card, a play on a Monet painting. If you're in Lakeland or visiting Florida Southern College, definitely stop in at this free and wonderful museum!

Directions

Polk Museum of Art is located at 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801. Entrance is free. There is a parking lot with free parking.
Closed Mondays. Open Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5.

Click on map for interactive view