10 of Orlando's Best Places to See Contemporary Art
Of all the adventures that await in Orlando, Florida, art usually isn’t the first exploit to come to mind. But, the city is experiencing a cultural boom, and the art scene is flourishing. Here’s a look at Orlando’s 10 best contemporary art galleries, some of which are located in the most unexpected places.
SNAP! Orlando
Voted #1 Gallery in Orlando by Orlando Magazine 2016, Snap! has gained recognition from the NY Times, BBC News, and The Huffington Post, to name a few. Truly one of the city’s most impressive artistic endeavors, spearheaded by director and curator Patrick Kahn, Snap! Orlando is actually two galleries, Snap! Space and Snap! Downtown. Broadening visibility and appreciation of photographic mediums, the galleries showcase over 100 international photographers and multimedia artists, as well as ongoing educational events throughout the year. Snap! Space has an idyllic location, inside the restored historical Cameo Theater in the up and coming Mills 50 District, and not only offers viewers renowned artists, but is also a fabulous choice to host an event. Just as noteworthy, Snap! Downtown has displayed such talents as Dutch photographer Hendrik Kerstens, and Nadia Wicker, a visual artist and photographer based in France, in an exhibit line up that does not disappoint.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Snap! Space 1013 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL., U.S.A., +1 407 286 2185
Snap! Downtown 420 E. Church St., Orlando, FL., U.S.A., +1 407 286 2185
Henao Contemporary Center
This 4,000 square-foot modern industrial art space, located on North Edgewater Drive, graciously offers the city some of the best contemporary art. From exhibits featuring local college faculty—Solaris A Valencia Faculty Art Show—to Orlando’s biggest print party—Down to Earth Print Party—which featured live screen printing gig posters, live music and whiskey tasting, it’s all about the experience, and Jose Henao, founder and director of the gallery—who “has always been around creative people,”—brings the arts to the community through more than just art. Nestled in the 6,000 square-foot “backyard” sits an outdoor stage surrounded in true artistic form by murals. The space has been making waves as a hot spot for indie artists.
Henao Contemporary Center, 5601 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL., U.S.A., +1 407 272 0317
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWhrJ7rAbCl/?taken-by=henaocenter&hl=en
City Arts Factory
Hip and unconventional, this Downtown gallery is an art lover’s dream, flaunting a vast collection of vibrant and funky pieces from both local and international artists to “delight and inspire the viewers in ways a museum could not.” Downtown’s largest collective of art galleries expands beyond the visual arts to include performing arts, and there’s always something new as the exhibits rotate monthly. City Arts Factory provides studio space to artists, so lucky patrons just may catch a glimpse of artists working on their latest pieces. Admission is free Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
City Arts Factory, 29 South Orange Ave., Orlando, FL., U.S.A., +1 407 648 7060
The U.C.F. Art Gallery
Art Gallery
Orlando Museum of Art
Museum
The Grand Bohemian Gallery
Located inside the beautiful Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando, the gallery was established by hotelier and art enthusiast Richard C. Kessler. Even if you’re not staying at the luxury hotel, it’s worth stopping in for a cocktail in the Bosendorfer Lounge and visiting the gallery. The gallery features a collection of international and local artists’ original works and rare pieces ranging from oil paintings, contemporary jewelry, glass, and wood. Each gallery offers monthly art exhibits and even hosts receptions where patrons can meet the artist.
The Grand Bohemian Gallery, 325 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL., U.S.A., +1 407 581 4801
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVxZvCJg7rA/?taken-at=504300&hl=en
Mennello Museum of American Art
Museum
Baterbys Art Gallery
Art Gallery
The Cornell Fine Arts Museum
Museum
The Gallery at Avalon Island
Art Gallery
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
