The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art — Attraction in Winter Park

First I have to say that I love the museum and the exhibits. I live close and would love to visit it more often. Unfortunately, on every visit, I and my guests were made feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. During the first visit, when I took my phone out to check messages, I was immediately told that I was not allowed to take pictures (which, as I later found out was not true). When I replied that I was not taking pictures, I was told that since my phone was out, they were supposed to tell me that. I put the phone in my pocket, and then was followed closely by the staff. On my second visit, my guest had a closed water bottle and was instructed to throw it out. When we asked if we could just put it in the bag, the reply was - no, you have to throw it away if you want to see the exhibits. During the same visit, when I stood close to one of the lampshade and pointed to a certain design, a staff quickly approached and told me that I was not supposed to touch the exhibits. When I said that I was pointing, not touching, staff reiterated that I was not to touch anything. During my third visit, i brought two guests, one of whom had a very small backpack. He was told that his backpack was sticking out too far (it was not), and he had to carry it on his chest or on his side. Then they allowed him to carry it on his back, but he had to rearrange items to make it flatter. After that, the security person, in front of all other visitors, in the secret service-like manner, loudly contacted “all units” describing him, his clothes, etc. to tell them that the backpack was checked, which was embarrassing to my guest. During the same visit, my guest asked if he could take photos and was told - yes, but no flash. My guest complied, but after a few minutes noticed that he was followed by security. Shortly after, the staff approached him and told him that he was using flash. He politely explained that he was not, but the staff insisted that he was and should stop. My guest ended up just putting his camera away. All this really ruined our visit. I wanted to brag about this unique museum and ended up apologizing to my guests. Again, I love the museum and would like to visit more often, but prefer not to subject myself and my guests to...

The prettiest collection of stained glass that I have ever seen. A Must-see location! This is located on the north of downtown Winter Park and to the west of Lake Osceola. Parking can be found on the street (many places are 3-hour open spots) and in a parking garage just south of the building. The building has many parts to it. You enter through the north door along the west side of N Park Avenue. You pay at the counter and are (at this time) required to wear a mask. General admission is $6/person. It is the best deal in the city for what you can see. There are numerous rooms explaining the various types of art that were explored. There are numerous paintings, sculptures, blown glass, stained glass, furniture, jewelry throughout the museum. There are whole rooms recreated to show the beautiful artwork in its original atmosphere: a chapel, a dining room, etc. It is absolutely beautiful. There are numerous places that show how some of the work was created. Once you are done, you exit through the gift shop which has some wonderful products illustrating some of the artwork. Many of the exhibits have a number that can be accessed through a podcast-like app to give you more data on the item. Be careful to keep the volume down or the museum guards will ask you to lower it. I liked this museum so much I would have given it a 5 but for the fact that they require masks. This is an absolute must-see location that I highly recommend for all my...

When you hear the name Tiffany, the first thing that comes to your mind is the blue boxes and the New York collection of diamonds and jewelry; however, and even though not as popular as the jewels, one member of the same family, Louis Comfort Tiffany, is the author of an endless collection of glass that is part of the international Arts and Crafts movement that defined a whole era in the decorative and fine arts between 1880 and 1920’s. Aside from being located in Winter Park, a MUST if you visit Orlando, and a beautiful area to walk through, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum holds the largest collection of Tiffany’s work, including the Tiffany Chappel from 1893, that was salvaged from Laurelton Hall, the residence of the artist, along with a great amount of Tiffany’s work after the house burned almost to the ground in a fire in 1957. I have to say that, when visiting Orlando with a limited amount of time, it was absolutely worth it to make this historical stop over visiting any amusement parks in town. I also want to add that, on top of a mind-blowing walk through the museum, the store is amazing and a great source of unique and elegant gifts and souvenirs from your trip. I recommend this place 100% as a must stop during your...