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Following a multi-million dollar makeover in 1997, the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) has earned a reputation as one of the southeast’s top arts museums. The fine permanent collection is dominated by pre-Columbian art and American artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, George Inness, and Robert Rauschenberg. These works are supplemented by touring exhibitions from major metropolitan museums, and numerous smaller shows of regional or local significance, although curators tend to avoid overtly controversial works. (see Orlando Museum of Art (OMA)).

This huge, attention-grabbing, exploratorium-style museum boasts hundreds of interactive, child-friendly exhibits that are designed to introduce kids of all ages to the wonders of science. The center’s four floors are divided into 10 themed zones. These deal with subjects ranging from mechanics to math, health and fitness to lasers, making this an educational and fun break from the usual Orlando theme park distractions. Don’t miss the CineDome, which houses the planetarium and the world’s largest Iwerks® theatre.

Given the region’s relatively short history, this museum has wisely ignored geographic limitations. Exhibits not only feature local photographs and memorabilia, but a re-created Victorian parlor, a 1926 fire station, and fascinating temporary shows that cover themes relating to other parts of Florida, such as pirates and space travel.

Here rests the world’s most comprehensive collection of work by American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, best known for his Art Nouveau stained-glass pieces. The museum’s highlight is a spectacular chapel Tiffany made for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. There are also interesting collections of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings and jewelry.

Located on the campus of Rollins College, the small but stylish Cornell is Florida’s oldest art collection. It showcases European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts ranging from the Renaissance and Baroque periods to the 20th century. Among the highlights are Madonna and Child Enthroned (c. 1480) by Cosimo Rosselli, and Reclining Figure by Henry Moore (1982).

This small, lakeside museum houses an unusual and charming collection of paintings by obscure curio-shop owner and Floridian folk artist, Earl Cunningham (1893–1977). In addition to his own work are traveling exhibitions featuring the works of other “outsider” artists.

If aircraft history is your passion, this is a must-see. Much more than a static museum, the War-bird is a restoration hangar where historic military aircraft are painstakingly restored to pristine flying condition (those puddles of oil on the floor are real). Visitors can see a P-51 Mustang, a Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a B-17 Flying Fortress, and many others. History and restoration classes are available – as are real flights!

Czech-American Polasek (1879–1965) was a sculptor who specialized in European figurative technique. In semi-retirement, he moved to this self-designed house and studio, where he continued working until his death. The beautiful gardens are filled with his sculptures, as are four galleries within the house, which also hold a few pieces from other artists.

Eatonville – the first incorporated African-American municipality in the USA – was the childhood home of Zora Neale Hurston (1903–1960), writer, anthropologist, and folklorist. This modest museum offers exhibitions centered on Hurston and the Eatonville of days gone by.

Artifacts, textiles, and photos from Maitland’s pioneer days through to the heydays of the citrus and lumber industries are the focus here. In the same building, the Telephone Museum has vintage phones and memorabilia.