Here's something that might surprise you. There's lots of high culture down in Florida's Disneyland of Orlando. Believe it. We all associate the Central Florida city with Walt Disney World Resort and, secondarily, a slew of other big-time amusement parks and mostly kid-stuff attractions. The truth is though, Orlando has first-rate performing and visual arts venues that provide refined entertainment for, you know – adults. I mean somebody's taking all those youngsters down there, right? They need something to wash "It's a Small World After All" out of their system – and their children's systems – after a day or two with Mister Mouse. Maybe they could offer the kids some high culture for balance. Or, maybe better yet, make an entirely separate adults-only trip down to Orlando when you can leave the kids alone and really have time to dig into the city's cultural treasures.
"The Orlando area has a wide range of high quality cultural offerings ranging from museums focused on fine art, contemporary art and folk art, as well as history and science and established classical offerings including the Orlando Philharmonic, Orlando Ballet, and the Bach Festival Society – plus the latest addition, Orlando Opera," noted Flora Maria Garcia, president and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida.
"With the opening of the fabulous Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the region is able to experience the best of Broadway without leaving home."
Truth is, some of these very grown-up arts and entertainment organizations do, in fact, also offer productions with kids in mind and do comedic performances and rock 'n' roll and the like from time to time to complement their somewhat more lofty artistic ambitions. In any case, Orlando is not just for kids anymore -- hasn't been for quite some time actually. It's just that not many of us knew it.
Orlando Shakespeare Theater, better known to locals as Orlando Shakes, has been producing the theatrical works of the bard for more than a quarter-century. Working with professional actors and designers from New York, Orlando and elsewhere, the operation, located in Orlando's historic Loch Haven Cultural Park, has a seven-show Signature Series, a three-show Children's Series, and PlayFest, a festival of readings and panels. The John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center has four professional theaters, classrooms, rehearsal halls, lobbies and more. Its largest performance theater is the 324-seat Margeson Theater, home to its biggest productions. It also has the 118-seat Goldman Theater, 99-seat Mandell Theater and the 75-seat Santos Dantin Studio Theater. Orlando Shakes has a professional partnership with the University of Central Florida.
Orlando Shakespeare Theater
This two-block behemoth in downtown Orlando includes the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater, 2500+ seat Bob Carr Theater, 300-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, Seneff Arts Plaza and the Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts. There is an expansion underway that is scheduled to bring the 1,700-seat Steinmetz Hall, an acoustical theater, to completion within the next few years (2020). The Dr. Phillips Center brings top-notch international, national and local artists to its stages for Broadway, ballet, rock, orchestra, opera, comedy, jazz, outdoor concerts, festivals, family shows and arts education programs.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
OMA's mission is for "collecting, preserving and interpreting notable works of art" and to present exhibitions of local, regional, national and international significance. Some of its major collections are in African Art, Art of the Ancient Americas, American Art, Contemporary Art and Contemporary Graphics. OMA presents 10 to 12 exhibitions on-site annually and 13 exhibitions off-site, along with award-winning art enrichment programs, unlimited gallery tours, distinguished lectures, and more.
Orlando Museum of Art
The Mennello Museum of American Art at Loch Haven Park is a special venue dedicated to a major 20th century folk artist named Earl Cunningham, though the work of other artists is also exhibited. Cunningham was not well known during his lifetime (he died in 1977) but his work has been increasingly recognized in recent years. A visit to this museum is a special treat also because the museum grounds have biking and hiking trails that surround Lake Formosa. There is also an extensive sculpture garden.
The Mennello Museum of American Art
The Gallery at Avalon Island, in downtown Orlando is a contemporary art museum that hosts exhibitions for established artists. The striking green Queen Anne-style Rogers building that houses the Gallery was built in 1886. The gallery also offers literary and film events and musical performances. The Gallery at Avalon Island is open 5 days a week, Tuesday through Saturday.
Gallery at Avalon Island
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