The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is a private, non-profit, and nationally accredited art museum in Lakeland, Florida. It is a member of the Florida Association of Museums, is ranked among the top art museums in the state of Florida, and is a Smithsonian Affiliate.
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Awful, awful experience! My daughter is an employeed college student and I am a well established business professional, we needed a break. So, we decided to visit Lakeland, FL for a brief out of town Sunday Funday. After lunch downtown, we googled museums and were directed to Polk Museum of Art. We were super excited, upon arrival. We were pleasantly greeted and given brief instructions by the receptionist. We were asked not to picture, film, or record in the main exhibit area, ok pretty simple. We walked in the main area. Immediately, there was a feeling of tension and the look of surprise on the faces of the staff. I sat down to turn my cell phone off and place it in my purse. Suddenly, a very 'eager' employee with dark hair rushes over and tells me NO PHONES ARE ALLOWED... PHONES CAN NOT BE VISIBLE. We were never told that. Although, I can clearly see her coworker, a blonde had her cell phone in her hand the entire time. At this point... We became PUBLIC ENEMY #1, our every move was watched, we were followed and profiled, as if we were prey. However, we continued with the exhibit. While discussing a painting, I pointed at the painting and a male worker scared me yelling, YOU MUST REMAIN 12 INCHES BACK. We were never told that. However, I do assume if my arm was able to be extended with space in between, the 12 inches were met. Yet, he continued following us throughout the exhibit, smh. Oddly, even when we left that exhibit...he placed a chair in the doorway to stare and monitor us in the hallway, at another exhibit. We got out of there! Did not even go to the 2nd floor because it was too creepy and uncomfortable. However, it was FREE, the art exhibits are diverse and informative but...
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The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, “The AGB” for short, is formerly known as the Polk Museum of Art (and probably what I’ll always think of it as). The name change came with a huge expansion which allowed the museum to nearly thrills its exhibition and learning spaces. And let me tell you, going there pre- & post-expansion the difference is mind boggling.
Polk County & Lakeland truly have something to be proud of with this museum. And the best part? Free admission!! I wasn’t sure if it’d remain this way after their buildout but they are striving to keep it free for all to visit and enjoy.
They have a really impressive collection for being a still smaller museum compared to the Met, Chicago Museum of Art or places like that. First, you walk into to see several Auguste Rodin sculptures, starting off strong. You can see Andy Warhol, an incredible mix of diverse artists from all over the world, and even a few Dale Chihuly blown glass pieces. It is all absolutely stunning.
The AGB is a Smithsonian affiliate so they definitely have high standards. It’s also located in such a great spot right off of Lake Morton next to the library & Lake Morton Black & Brew, the Peach House, Misterfish, and the newer MooTown Scoops. Whether you’re feeling coffee, ice cream, drinks or actual food, it’s all with a 3-4 minute walk right there. A great...
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Update: 10/15/22 - Giving 4 stars now (from 1) for the Rodin exhibit. It was incredible to see so many works in one place. They are all hideous for the most part, but that's Rodin's style and what art can be. I wouldn't buy a reproduction of any of them, but you don't have to like something to appreciate it. My previous review still stands because that's the way it was then. But this did give me faith that I will be back for another show.
05/02/21 Did I miss something? Was warmly welcomed and told to keep mask on (during COVID) for other guests (but there weren't any). There was an exhibit of school children's works and some non-vintage African art carvings on the first floor. That was it! Second floor appeared to be administrative offices; nothing up there to see. I saw everything in about 5 minutes, not counting the time I spent looking for something to see. You'll spend more time parking, and walking in than you'll spend inside because there is nothing there. There are also no signs to tell you where to go, but that's understandable if there is...
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