Polk Museum of Art - In the Heart of It All

The Polk Museum of Art has something for everyone. Located in the heart of Central Florida's Polk County and within Lakeland's historic downtown district, the Museum is a cultural hub for visitors of all ages. With a policy of FREE admission that has not changed since the Museum's founding in 1966, the Polk Museum of Art offers spectacular exhibitions and a bevy of dynamic events that are accessible to everyone.

The Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums, and houses nine galleries on two floors, including an outdoor sculpture garden and a permanent gallery that is home to an extensive Precolumbian art collection.

The Polk Museum of Art is about much more than great art. While the Museum's dynamic exhibition schedule and impressive permanent collection provides an emphasis on contemporary American art, European decorative arts, and Asian art, introducing families to this art is the Museum's primary goal.

A complete schedule of events designed to entice all ages fills the halls each and every season. From lunchtime lectures to classes for adults and children, family workshops to free docent-led tours, the Museum brings art and culture into the lives of residents and visitors alike. In fact, each year Mayfaire by-the-Lake brings more than 60,000 people to the shores of beautiful Lake Morton for a 25-year-old event hosted by the Museum. More than 180 artists display their wares as visitors soak up the May sunshine and feast of great food and even better buys.

The Polk Museum of Art is located at 800 E. Palmetto Street in Lakeland, just off Lake Morton, a well-known nesting place for a variety of birds, including swans and geese. The Museum is also within walking distance from Florida Southern College, the world's largest one-site collection of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Just minutes away is The Lakeland Center, a world-class convention facility, as well as hundreds of shops, restaurants and lodging.