A Visitor’s Guide to Cultural Venues in Orlando

Cultural Venues in Orlando

Orlando, Florida is not just about Disney World, Universal Studios, or SeaWorld – there are several different cultural venues that offer the visitor a chance to engage in the Orlando life style in a completely different way than the normal family trip to this fast paced city of fun.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

This wonderful establishment was founded in 1909 by “Jeannette Genius McKean” and houses some of the most prize winning leaded glass windows, and the most comprehensive collection of works by “Louis Comfort Tiffany”. Tiffany’s life spanned from 1848 to 1933, in which time he graced the world with his works of inspiration, using glass as his canvas.

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

Highlighting some of the best chamber orchestra repertoire to be heard anywhere. Offering a variety of delightful musical programs to enchant the music lover at heart, and inspire new listeners.

Broadway across America Orlando

This is actually a series of Broadway shows and musical productions, which are performed at the “Bob Carr Performing Arts Center”, which is located at 401 West Livingston Street in the downtown Orlando area.

Harry P. Leu Gardens

This historic fifty acre place is home to some of the most beautiful tropical flowers and roses anyone has ever seen. Everywhere you look it is as if you are right in the middle of a botanical paradise, and the wonderful sweet smells bring a smile to your face. The surroundings seem to create the feeling of stepping back in time to a gentler, peaceful time.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater

This venue features a professional theater company that presents bold Shakespeare, modern classics and a wide variety of popular children’s stories. If you enjoy the theater, this is a must on your lists of fun things to do while on your vacation to Orlando.

As you can see, there are several different cultural venues to choose from in the downtown Orlando area, all with something special to offer the out of town visitor, looking for more culture than the other known activities in and around the city. Maybe you can plan your day to take in more than one venue a day, to get a full day of entertainment.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Downtown Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts produces more than 300 shows every year. The lineup includes Broadway productions, performances by Orlando Ballet, chart-topping musicians, marquee comedians, family entertainment and much more.

The Winter Park Playhouse

Located minutes from downtown Orlando and blocks from beautiful Park Avenue, the Playhouse is known for its high quality entertainment and welcoming atmosphere.

Founded in 2002, The Winter Park Playhouse is Central Florida’s professional musical theatre and one of few in the state. It is a 501(c)(3), non-profit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors by producing professional musicals, cabarets and outreach programs that entertain, uplift and inspire.

Affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the professional union of actors and stage managers, the Playhouse maintains high standards of artistic integrity and proudly employs professional actors, musicians and technicians for each production.

The Mennello Museum of American Art

Owned and operated by the City of Orlando, The Mennello Museum of American Art was established in 1998 to preserve, exhibit, and interpret the outstanding permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham. The Mennello Museum of American Art strives to enrich the public through renowned temporary exhibitions, exciting programs, educational initiatives, and publications that celebrate outstanding traditional and contemporary American art and artists across a broad range of disciplines. 

The Marilyn L. Mennello Sculpture Garden is always free and open to the public and is most recognized for the 350-year-plus sprawling live oak tree draped with Spanish moss that is called “The Mayor.” You can find numerous sculptures in the surrounding Old Florida landscape and walking paths, which merge into the larger Orlando Urban Trail with over 4000 acres of art and nature.

Cultural Venues in Orlando – Conclusion

There are many venues in the Orlando area that will keep you out of the theme parks. I hope this list gives you a good idea of some of the cultural stops you can make when you visit.