i came here on a day a lot of the exhibits were being worked on but i enjoyed the half off price…read morebecause of it (plus i can come back !!) this was a beautiful museum of art w/ such a variety of different types of art. i took my time as i walked around the rooms & it was lovely. they had a whole hallway dedicated to young artists which was sweet & they also have many art programs for the littles as well as adult events! i really enjoyed my time & will make another stroll soon, i'm sure of it. thank you for existing.

This museum is much bigger and more comprehensive than I expected. Orlando isn't typically known…read morefor amazing art museums on the scale of New York or Chicago, but I was pleasantly surprised when I visited! There's both pretty cool modern mart pieces as well as lots of ancient Latin American art and sculptures. I loved learning about the history of the Aztec, Mayans, and Incans through the preserved art pieces. I do wish there was an expanded area for Asian and African art, but I guess that leaves room for them to continue to grow and improve. Definitely check them out during Museums on Us through Bank of America! You can experience great art for free :)

I went to an event Pet Pool Party in the Marilyn L. Mennello Sculpture Garden at The Mennello…read moreMuseum. 'Pools in the Park' was Free Admission sponsored by Valley National Bank. I did not bring my dogs because it was super hot and I had a few stops in this area. I arrived near the end of the event to see if this was something I could share with my dogs. I saw lots of happy owners and pups (some wet.). They had great raffles and fun tents to experience with your pet. Full disclosure I have been a member of Mennello in the past and attended their folk music events. I really like that they have events that empower patrons to participate in art, music and the community. They have another Pet event in Fall 2025.

If you have 20-30 minutes to kill and want to be in air-conditioning, this is a nice small place to…read moresee curated art. Admission is $8, although there are discounts that bring it down to $3-5. I'd say $5 is about right for the time you spend here. The staff were very nice and the permanent exhibits were great to see. The majority of the museum is dedicated to the childlike folk art of Earl Cunningham. The paintings are well lit and feature bright colors and really convey feelings of joy. Besides that, there are wonderful bronze sculptures as well as a few pieces from other artists. There's also the grounds of the museum that have several outdoor installations. We paid $8 a piece and were done in about 20 minutes but I did enjoy myself and felt I contributed to the arts in Orlando.

"A photo does not always have to be technically perfect and a masterpiece. After all, life is not…read moreand yet we find it wonderful. " - Nina Hrusa July 8, 2021 Mesmerized by Snap!'s Exhibit of Martin Stranka. It was a gloomy & rainy day that day, but I was so happy to finally see this artist's and photographer's exhibit after viewing it online. A solo exhibition by award-winning international photographer, Martin Stranka, in collaboration with Forbes Magazine.

The Snap! Gallery is an ever changing art space with three galleries located in the Camden 420 East…read moreChurch building. The gallery is free entry to visitors Monday thru Friday until 6pm. The opening art exhibit are world class and occasionally feature local artists. Snap's emphasis is photography, and the shows are carefully curated by the founders Holly and Patrick Kahn. If in town, stop by and visit this special space.

ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER PRESCHOOL REVIEW!!!! …read more Where do I even begin? I want to start with Ms. Juanita. She is one of those educators who you immediately know is doing what she was meant to do. She is incredibly passionate about STEM, education, and learning, but more than that, she is passionate about creating experiences for children that they simply cannot get anywhere else. She goes above and beyond every single day, and you can feel how much she truly cares about the children and their experience at school. I was incredibly lucky to have my oldest son accepted into the Orlando Science Center Preschool when some of our school friends decided to leave our previous preschool for what they felt was a better program. We had heard so much about the Science Center Preschool and knew what an incredible opportunity it would be if we could get a spot. And I am SO grateful we got that spot. My oldest son, who is now 7, truly developed his personality at this school. He wore dinosaur shirts constantly, brought his favorite animal figurines for show & tell every week, and fell completely in love with science, space, engineering, nature, and everything around him. But what I loved most was that the school gave him the freedom and confidence to just be himself. The preschool also taught him something I value tremendously: respect. They celebrated different cultures, values, backgrounds, and perspectives and taught children to appreciate what makes each person unique. That kind of foundation is priceless. My son is now enrolled in one of the top ranked charter schools in the state, and while I am incredibly proud of him and happy with his education and grades, I truly credit the Orlando Science Center Preschool with giving him the fundamentals and confidence that helped prepare him for where he is today. And I have to admit... I miss the dinosaur shirts. I miss the silly Mohawk. But most of all, I miss those daily updates with pictures and videos showing us exactly what our child was experiencing, learning, discovering, and enjoying throughout the day. Fast forward a few years, and I am reminded of all of those things again because my baby, now 3, is officially a Science Center Preschool student. There was absolutely no question in my mind that he would attend this school. He was enrolled in the 3 year old program as soon as we had the opportunity. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Before starting at the Science Center, my youngest attended a part time church preschool. I want to be very clear that we loved that school and the people there. They were incredibly loving and sweet and will always hold a special place in our family's heart. But having now experienced both environments, I can already see such a difference in the learning style and opportunities when comparing the two side by side. (Ms. Chau, Ms. Michaela my baby loves you!) He WANTS to go learn. For a three year old, I can't think of a better gift than that. My oldest still remembers all of the things that made the Science Center so special. When I asked him what he thought about his little brother going there, his only wish was that he could still go there himself as a second grader. And that says everything. Ms. Juanita somehow always seems to be pulling strings and creating opportunities for our kids, from getting them into special events and theater experiences across the street, opd firetruck surprises, to sending home books, creating incredible show and tell experiences, plays/events for parents and finding ways to make learning exciting and memorable. I still have books that were given to us during my oldest son's preschool years. I still remember the excitement of his weekly show and tell. I remember the daily photos and videos, the weekly take home agendas with curriculum information, and all of the ways the school kept us connected and involved in our child's learning even when we weren't physically there. As a parent, that means so much. You aren't just dropping your child off and hoping they had a good day. You get to SEE it. You get to be part of it. You get to watch them discover something new, make friends, explore, ask questions, and grow. My oldest had such an incredible experience here that there was never a question about where his little brother would go. And now, only two weeks into this new chapter, I am already seeing that same excitement for learning beginning in him. I truly cannot give this school enough credit. Orlando Science Center Preschool is hands down the best preschool in Florida in my eyes. It is so much more than a preschool. It is a place where children are encouraged to be curious, confident, kind, creative, and completely themselves Thank you, Ms. Juanita, and thank you to the entire Orlando Science Center Preschool team, for giving my boys such an incredible foundation and for making school a place they genuinely love. My baby is already so in love!

We attended a birthday party here and had such a great time. The kids got to do two hands-on…read morescience experiments, and everyone was completely engaged -- my kid was still talking about it days later. After the experiments, we were free to explore the entire science center, and there's so much to see that we could have stayed for hours longer. The T-Rex theater show was the highlight -- genuinely amazing, and just as fun for the adults as it was for the kids. The staff really made the day. Every person we interacted with was helpful, courteous, and clearly enjoyed being there. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Highly recommend this place, whether you're going for a party or just visiting for the day. We'll definitely be back.

My fellow Yelpers (Lorn C. and Mikhail C.) decided to explore the Third Thursday event here as one…read moreof Lorn's friends was displaying her art that night. Lorn and I had been to this venue for the Yelpie awards and decided to return as we were impressed with the artwork the first time we came. Third Thursdays is a free event each month and it displays the works of various artists. Also, if you park at the Plaza parking lot on Court Avenue just a few blocks away, your parking ticket is validated, and you only pay $4. We got there around 6:30pm and the place was already packed. We got a drink at the cafe and a shout out to Miles for being a fun server and a good conversationist. We then proceeded to see all the art displays from photography to paintings to ink drawings. The main floor is much roomier as the second floor was quite crowded and tight given the separate rooms for the displays. But we still enjoyed ourselves and got to see the work of Lorn's friend, Grace Garvey, as well as other artists. The second floor's main room was dedicated to "Black & White" artist renderings and many of the displays were quite intriguing. The main floor had some excellent concert photographs that exuded the energy and passion of the performers as well as the crowds. This is definitely a fun free event to attend in downtown Orlando.

What a wonderful art museum! We started out at city arts Café next-door, waiting for it to open…read more When it finally did, we were met by a wonderful woman that told us about the different displays in the building. We were then able to go on our own and visit the displays. Pictures were allowed, which was wonderful because I didn't want to forget some of them and they were great inspiration. They had a great selection of art, including art by teens and it is FREE so what a great value. We've decided we'd like to go every so often to keep up with the displays.

The Leu House Museum is located within the beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens. A guided tour of the…read morehome is included with garden admission. Since tour times may vary, it's always best to check online before your visit. Originally built in the late 19th century, the home was expanded over the years by several owners, most notably Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane, who purchased the property in the 1930s. The Leus were passionate travelers and collectors, and their influence can be seen throughout the home in the furnishings and décor. The house reflects a mix of architectural styles and offers a glimpse into Florida living from the 1880s through the mid-1900s. Tours begin promptly at their scheduled times, so be sure to arrive on time. If you miss your tour, you'll need to wait about 30 minutes for the next one. The home is filled with rich history and truly is a hidden gem. Be sure to use the restroom beforehand, as re-entry into the house is not permitted once the tour begins. The tour guide was very informative and kind, making the experience even more enjoyable.

A very nice tour of an historic house. The Leu House and…read moreGardens in Orlando, Florida is a charming historic home and gardens that offer visitors a glimpse into the city's past and a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. You can google the directions but basically it is on the south end of Lake Rowena. There is a parking lot in front of the entrance house. This is not where the house museum is located. Visitors need to pass through this house and follow the various paths to the center of the park. The house is a two story affair that offers tours throughout the day to park visitors. Walking through the lush gardens surrounding the Leu House, visitors are transported to another time and place, with the scent of blooming flowers filling the air and the sound of trickling fountains providing a calming ambiance. The gardens are beautifully landscaped with a wide variety of flora, including camellias, azaleas, and orchids, making it a paradise for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts. Inside the historic Leu House, visitors are greeted with period furniture and décor, providing an insight into what life was like for the home's previous occupants. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate, providing engaging insights into the history of the house and its former residents. Overall, a visit to the Leu House and Gardens is a delightful experience that offers a glimpse into Orlando's past and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat from the city, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit.

As a random, spur of the moment activity a friend and I decided to pop in to see what they have on…read moredisplay. We had actually arrived about 15 minutes prior to opening time but was able to hang out in the cool lobby while the workers finished their opening protocols. Standard admission is currently $10 and the building has 4 floors, with displays on floors 2-4. The main floor has a small gift shop. It was recommended that we start on floor 4 and work our way down. There was a mix of very interesting displays on Florida history including ranches, orange groves, the native people including some early interactions with those that escaped slavery, black history, a court room. Disney and NASA. There was even a tribute to Florida's 150th birthday. Quite the selection of history snippets for the limited space. It was an ok way to spend $10 and about 1.5 hours of time in Downtown Orlando. Worth visiting at least once.

Who knew Orlando had a history before Disney? Maybe smart people do but I sure didn't. It wasn't…read morenamed after Orlando Bloom or even Tony Orlando. It has a rich history and the Orange County History Center highlights this, as well as the rest of Orange County (of which I think a good chunk of it). I was here for an event so I didn't really get to explore everything it has to offer. I saw a few exhibits and I could definitely spend some time here learning about this area of Florida. It used to be the courthouse and they still have that courtroom as part of the center. It's neat to see although man, the echo's in there are crazy. I didn't see any parking close by so I parked at the Library garage and made the short walk over. Not too bad actually. But keep that in mind if you're planning a visit. Also, you can totally walk to Taco Kat from here. Reason enough!

This is a blockbuster exhibit currently taking place in the Orlando Science Center. Admission to…read morethe science center includes this exhibit. An adult ticket is $26 but I was able to attend for free except for the $5 parking garage fee. On the first weekend of every month, Bank of America offers free admission to select museums with their Museums on Us program. I was so excited to see that the Orlando Science Center was participating because it saved me the admission fee. You must purchase the tickets on the museums website with the promo code on the Bank of America website and when you get there show your BOA card and ID. The Pompeii exhibit is a traveling temporary exhibit and January will be the last month you can take advantage of the free admission for Pompeii. This museum is located in Loch Haven Park. If you haven't been here before the entrance is a little confusing. You can't enter the building from the ground floor. The only way in is to enter through a bridge that runs from the upper floors of the parking garage across the street into the museum. The Pompeii exhibit is located on the same floor as admissions. Orlando is only one of 3 states to host the exhibit and it is the last stop in the U.S.. it was brought to Orlando by the Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. In AD 79 Mount Vesuvius erupted destroying the town of Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum in 24 hours. Nearly two thousand people were killed by heavy ash, building collapse, and pyroclastic flow, a super heated hurricane force wind carrying ash and rock that can destroy anything in its path. The pyroclastic flow was a deadly river of gas, ash, and rock. Many people collapsed and died in place when the superheated poisonous gas and ash hit them. As the ash hardened the void their bodies made were left behind. After the eruption the city remained hidden and largely forgotten until an excavation in the 1740's. In the late 19th century archaeologists developed a method of injecting plaster into the holes in the hardened ash left behind by the bodies. The exhibit starts with a short 360 degree movie that gives you a glimpse into what it might have been like to have been in Pompeii on that day. After the movie you step into different galleries displaying artifacts and models of artifacts that explain what life was like in Pompeii. My favorite items were a delicate pair of gold drop earrings, a gold snake bracelet, and a loaf of bread that remained uneaten. The final room has the plaster cast of two bodies surrounded by the portraits of how people would have looked at that time. It is very poignant. Since I am not going to get to Italy anytime soon I didn't mind the drive to Orlando to see these precious objects. I was a little disappointed to see that some items were replicas but overall I was very impressed with the exhibit. I learned a lot about life in Pompeii and Herculaneum. After my visit to the Pompeii exhibit I was free to explore the rest of the museum. While it is more geared to children it was still nice to check it out. Food can be purchased at the 4Roots Cafe on the ground floor. If you have time to go, the Cornell Museum on the Rollins College Campus currently has a door knocker from Pompeii on display and it is free to visit. Before I left, I visited the gift ship where you can pick up a few souvenirs from the exhibit like postcards and magnets. I ended up purchasing a catalog of the items that were displayed. The exhibit leaves on January 24, so hurry before it is gone. Pompeii in 79 AD was nice city to visit but you didn't want to linger too long.

The biggest let down. A lot of photos on the wall, a few videos and a few statues. Not a lot of…read moreauthentic artifacts which is what we were wanting to see. I have seen far far more about Pompeii in National Geographic for free. There were way too many people and certainly no social distancing in the Pompeii exhibit. This is the third time I have driven all the way to Orlando to see an over rated exhibit which was mainly photos and maps on the wall. If you have children the center is worth the membership. Otherwise a waste of money since so much is online today

A true hidden gem, the Orlando Fire Museum is a great, free (Donations Accepted!) museum located…read morenear the Science Center and Shakespeare Theater in Loch Haven Park. While waiting for a show at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater during Orlando Fringe, a friend and I were exploring the theater grounds when we happened upon the Orlando Fire Museum nestled in the back courtyard. Surprised to see the building, and curious to find out more, we were happy to learn the museum was still open, and went inside to find out more. As soon as we entered, we were greeted by three very friendly firefighters (two retired, one still serving) who were the volunteer workers at the museum. They welcomed us in, explained a bit about the museum, and led us on a free tour of the building. Our tour guide explained everything in great detail from the years and features of the vintage trucks and equipment on display, to the way fires used to be relayed to the team (The museum features a working telegraph machine!) When we finished the downstairs part of the tour, he was gracious enough to take us upstairs and show us even more, including the old living quarters at the station. The tour was incredibly interesting and informative, and pictures were encouraged. Although it's only open on Friday & Saturday, If you get the chance, definitely try to swing by this wonderful facility. The museum is a great place to learn about not only Orlando's history, but the history of firefighting in general.

Checked the website before coming and it said it was open... drove one hour to get there and find…read morethe doors closed, my boy crying dressed up as a fireman full of expectations. As we approached I called... their voice system said nothing about being closed.. Please update the website information :(

You'll never not have a good time here. We've gone countless times, especially at late at night…read moresince they close late, and it's the perfect spot to end the night after going out. We usually bring our own board games and just enjoy hanging out with friends. We love the bar and the pizza. We've been coming here for a little over a year now and always have a great experience. The movie nights are also such a fun touch and make it a really relaxed, chill space. The only small suggestion would be possibly extending the menu in the future, but honestly, no complaints at all, we love this place.

This is truly a hidden gem in Orlando! It is tucked away in foliage, and it feels like a little…read moreescape from the hustle and bustle. The Acre has fairly limited hours, so make sure you double check before you head over. There is grassy parking lot with lots of spots, and then it is just a few steps to The Acre. There are a couple of different buildings on the property, and lots of outdoor seating and grassy areas. You can grab flatbreads from the Market and drinks from the bar. The menus are fairly limited, but it is so great sipping on a drink or enjoying a flatbread while lounging outside. We grabbed the Margherita Flatbread and White Flatbread. While slightly on the expensive side, they were delicious. The crust had a nice crunch, with a fluffy inside. The toppings were fresh. We also tried three of the drinks, and they were all good! My favorites were the Garden Mule and Bougainvillea. This is an ideal spot to hang out for a few hours and we love that there isn't any pressure to get in and out. You walk over to the bars and market, so whenever you want something you can grab it, but there aren't any waiters or the worry that you are spending too long at a table. There are pretty lights at night, and it is just such a cozy and relaxing spot!