Classic Polasek

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 Native and subtropical foliage compliments the sculptures of The Polasek Gardens. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

A sculpture of the mythological character, Pan, smirks impishly at visitors to The Polasek Gardens. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

sculpture garden presents a glimpse into a creative moment of significance in Polasek’s life and career. As you meander around the property, be on the look out for the face of Pan, who is said to be Polasek’s favorite mythological character. There are 26 faces of Pan created by the artist and hidden around the grounds. The home, studio, and grounds of The Polasek are listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. The museum is one of only 34 members of the National Trust’s Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios. The Albin Place Museum & Sculpture Gardens is located at 633 Osceola Avenue in Winter Park. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Tours of the historic residents, chapel, and garden. The gallery showcases rotating artist exhibits. Visit polasek.org for more visitor information.

“Maiden of the Roman Campagna” in bronze stands tall in the garden on Lake Osceola. (Eryn Reddell Wingert) “Victorious Christ” was sculpted in 1939. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)