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The Polasek - An Inspiring Experience, Inside and Out By Eryn Reddell Wingert
When you think of Central Florida arts and culture might not be the first things to pop into your head. But, after sunshine and outdoor fun take into consideration the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, also known as, The Polasek. The Polasek sits on Lake Osceola in Winter Park, Florida. The museum was formerly the home of Czech-born American sculptor, Albin Polasek. Polasek retired to Winter Park in 1950 at the age of 70 after a successful career as a renowned and award winning sculptor. However, he didn’t truly retire. Despite having suffered a stroke paralyzing his left side, Polasek continued to sculpt beautiful works of art mostly unaided,
except when carving stone. The historic home boasts more than 200 works from Polasek’s illustrious career, displayed inside the house and the surrounding grounds. Native plants and subtropical foliage serves as frames and backdrops to the works of art that adorn the gardens. Mythological, historical and biblical subjects loom along the winding path of the grounds. Arguably the most striking of which is the bronze sculpture of Jesus on the cross, entitled “Victorious Christ” depicting the moment Christ proclaimed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!” Each turn of the winding path in the
A sculpture of the mythological character, Pan, smirks impishly at visitors to The Polasek Gardens. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)
Native and subtropical foliage compliments the sculptures of The Polasek Gardens. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)
