I had driven by the Albin Polasek museum many times over the years traveling east and west on Aloma Avenue between Lakemont and Park Avenue in Winter Park. Naively, I had always seen this small museum as a place that looked like someone had randomly staged their house with michaelengo replica’s on their front lawn and was looking to make a quick buck. What I did not know was the history of Albin Polasek (1879-1961), a master sculpture who headed the sculpture department at the Art Institute of Chicago for nearly thirty years and retired to Winter Park in his later years.
Walking through the museum, sculpture garden, and on site chapel, this mans great works shine through. What struck me most during my 2 hour visit to the museum was the deep faith in Jesus that Polasek had, saving his most extraordinary works focusing on the death and resurrection of Christ. The multiple sculptures of Polasek fills the sculpture garden, chapel, and personel home. Looking at the promotional material for the museum and website, his liturgical work seems to be downplayed compared to what you see when you arrive. In the chapel, Polasek’s take on the 14 stations of the cross shows Polasek inserting himself kissing the sash of Jesus and a bookmark handed out has this quote from Polasek that reads:
“God, I thank You for the friends You gave me. Keep them well and strong so that they may serve You when they are helping those who need help. I know in my heart that without You there is a great emptiness, darkness and cold. Some people say You do not exist, because they cannot see You. Yet how fortunate I am that I see you, that You reveal Yourself to me in everything that is good and beautiful. I see You in the sea, in the mountains, in the forests, in every flower and every good human heart.”
One could take away that Polasek spent many man-hours seeing God as he worked on his materpieces worshiping and honoring him while making his art.
You can also see the grounds of the Museum when taking a ride on the Winter Park Boat Tour.
Location:
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
633 Osceola Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
407-647-6294
Admission
Museum admission includes entry into all galleries, a guided tour at posted times of the historic Polasek residence, chapel and entrance to the gardens. There is no additional fee for any of the special exhibitions.
Paid Admission
Adults (18 –59): $5
Seniors (60+): $4
Students (age 12 through college): $3
Free Admission
Admission is free for members and children age 12 and under.
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens Map