Orlando's largest art museum, founded in 1924, in Loch Haven Park about 25 miles from Lake Nona, with permanent collections and a steady rotation of exhibitions.
The Orlando Museum of Art is in Loch Haven Park, north of downtown Orlando, about 25 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It was founded in 1924 and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Its collections cover American art, contemporary art, African art and the art of the ancient Americas. It presents rotating exhibitions and hosts the annual Florida Prize in Contemporary Art. The museum has on-site parking and shares Loch Haven Park with the Orlando Science Center and the Mennello Museum.
The Orlando Museum of Art is the city's main art museum and one of its oldest cultural institutions. It is a quieter outing than most of what Orlando is known for: a few hours with a permanent collection and whatever exhibition is on, in a park shared with two other museums.
This guide is written for people weighing a move to Lake Nona. It covers how far the museum is, what its collections include and how to plan a visit.
How far is the Orlando Museum of Art from Lake Nona?
The Orlando Museum of Art is about 25 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, in Loch Haven Park north of downtown Orlando.
The usual route takes SR 417 north and the East-West Expressway (SR 408) west, both toll roads, then local roads north to Loch Haven Park. The museum shares the park with several other cultural institutions, so it is easy to combine two in one trip.
| Distance from Lake Nona Town Center | About 25 miles |
|---|---|
| Location | Loch Haven Park, 2416 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando |
| Founded | 1924 |
| Collections | American, contemporary, African, art of the ancient Americas |
| Parking | On-site |
What is in the Orlando Museum of Art's collection?
The museum's permanent collection covers four main areas: American art, contemporary art, African art and the art of the ancient Americas.
Its ancient Americas collection is regarded as one of the strongest in the Southeast, and its American collection spans the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Only part of the collection is on view at any time, so the galleries change between visits.
What exhibitions does the Orlando Museum of Art show?
Alongside its own collection, the museum presents rotating exhibitions, from traveling shows to work by Florida artists.
Each year it hosts the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, an exhibition of emerging and mid-career artists working in Florida, with an award for one of them. Check the museum's website for current and upcoming exhibitions before you go.
How long should you plan for a visit?
Two to three hours is enough for most visitors to see the current exhibitions and the permanent collection.
Because it is a manageable size, the museum pairs well with a second stop in Loch Haven Park or lunch in the nearby Audubon Park or Mills 50 areas. The museum also runs classes, lectures and family programs through the year.
Is an Orlando Museum of Art membership worth it?
For residents who expect to see several exhibitions a year, a membership is usually worth considering, as it covers admission and adds member events and discounts.
Members typically get free admission for a year, previews of new exhibitions and discounts on classes and the shop. Check the museum's membership page for current levels and benefits.
How does the Orlando Museum of Art fit alongside Lake Nona's other nearby museums?
The Orlando Museum of Art shares Loch Haven Park with the Orlando Science Center and the Mennello Museum, and Winter Park's museums are a short drive north.
See our guides to the Orlando Science Center, the Mennello Museum of American Art and the Morse Museum. For arts closer to home, see our Lake Nona arts and culture guide, and for more of Orlando, the Explore Orlando hub.
Pros, Cons and Our Take
Pros
- Orlando's main art museum, with a broad permanent collection.
- Rotating exhibitions give a reason to return.
- On-site parking and a manageable size for a half day.
- Easy to pair with the other Loch Haven Park museums.
Cons
- About 25 miles each way, with tolls.
- Only part of the collection is on view at a time.
- A smaller museum than those in major art cities.
- Less suited to young children than the Science Center next door.
Our Take
The Orlando Museum of Art is a solid half-day outing for Lake Nona residents who enjoy art, especially when a strong exhibition is on. Pair it with the Mennello Museum or lunch nearby, and check the exhibition schedule first so you go when there is something you want to see.
What the Neighbors Know
Lake Nona has its own public art, including the sculpture collection around Town Center, and the Orlando Museum of Art is the natural next step for residents who want more. If regular trips into Orlando matter to you, compare Lake Nona neighborhoods by how quickly they reach SR 417.
Official Sources
Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Orlando Museum of Art from Lake Nona?
About 25 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, in Loch Haven Park north of downtown Orlando.
What does the Orlando Museum of Art collect?
The museum's collections cover American art, contemporary art, African art and the art of the ancient Americas.
Is there parking at the Orlando Museum of Art?
Yes. The museum has on-site parking in Loch Haven Park.
What is the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art?
The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art is an annual exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art featuring emerging and mid-career artists working in Florida, with an award for one of them.
