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The Museums of Orlando are Waiting for You
by Janice McSherry

Orlando has earned its reputation as a tourist magnet due to the theme parks and other spectacular attractions, but the city has even more than these parks to offer the discerning visitor. If you would like to take a break from the bustle of the usual tourist spots, the museums of Orlando will give you many enjoyable hours. Let’s take a look at some of the museums in Orlando.

Mennello Museum

The Mennello Museum of American Folk Art endeavors to preserve, exhibit, and interpret an outstanding permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham (1893-1977). The Museum also also works with the surrounding community by presenting special exhibitions, publications, and programs that celebrate outstanding traditional and contemporary Amercian folk artists.

On the museum grounds you will find a beautiful biking and hiking trail that surrounds Lake Formosa and lets visitors view the extensive sculpture garden as they pass. Close by are Winter Park, Thorton Park, Lake Ivanhoe and downtown Orlando where you’ll find an assortment of boutiques, antique shops and scenic vistas.

Here is the contact information: 900 East Princeton Street, Orlando, Florida 32803, 407.246.4278 (tel), 407.246.4329 (fax), mennello.museum@cityoforlando.net

Wells'Built Museum of African American History

This is a small historical museum in downtown Orlando that gives a look at the African-American experience in Orlando and their cultural contribution to the region.

Dr. William M. Wells was a prominent African-American physician in Orlando during the first half of the 20th century. He created the South Street Casino to host touring black bands and, since Orlando was rigorously segregated, he opened the Wells' Built Hotel next door to house the musicians.

Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Ivory Joe Hunter, and many other musical greats played the Casino and stayed at the hotel over the years. The Casino is gone now, but the hotel remains and it has been converted into a modest museum housing memorabilia of Orlando's African-American community along with some African art on loan from local collectors. Here is the address: 511 West South Street, Orlando 32801, (407) 245-7535, Admission: Adults $5, students and seniors (60+) $3, children (4 to 14) $2 Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Railroad Central, Florida Railroad Museum

If you are tired of paying high prices for admission to the attractions of Orlando, here is one place that will certainly delight you. The Railroad Museum is absolutely free of charge and will give you a nostalgic look at the history of the railroads in Central Florida, complete with artifacts and memorabilia. Here is the visiting information that you will need to take advantage of this opportunity: visiting hours 1PM - 5PM daily in former Taveres & Gulf Railroad. Admission is free. 101 S. Boyd Street, Winter Garden, Florida, phone: 407-656-0559

So, the next time you are waiting in the lines at one of the popular theme parks, and need a change of pace, take some time out and enjoy some of the lesser known but equally rewarding cultural offerings provided by the museums of Orlando.

Janice McSherry writes frequently on Orlando tourism. She is the proprietor of Florida Vacation Villas. While visiting Orlando you can get excellent deals on Orlando Vacation Homes and Villa Rentals. This article may be republished on other websites provided that this paragraph is published along with the article