wonder house
Explore

Arts & Culture

in Central Florida

Visiting a destination usually includes exploring the Arts & Culture scene. Would you enjoy a gallery featuring local artists, historical landmarks, local tours, and museums or attending a performing arts event? If you are so inclined, we have plenty of options for you, including one of the last drive-in movie theatres in Florida – Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre in Lakeland.

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Local Artists & Art Galleries

Central Florida art galleries include traditional spaces like Lake Wales Arts Council, The AGB Museum of Art, and Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery. Nontraditional spaces include Mitchell’s Coffee House in Lakeland–with a delicious latte that tastes just like an Almond Joy.

Bok Tower Gardens

Reigning high above the Central Florida landscape – more than 200 feet high, in fact – Lake Wales’ world-famous art deco and neo-Gothic legend, Bok Tower Gardens, was a tourist attraction the day it opened in 1929. Built upon the highest elevation in peninsular Florida, guests can stroll in the shadow of the tower that houses a carillon – and instrument comprised of a series of bells played by a keyboard. Built on Iron Mountain, what was once a desolate sand hill was transformed into a 250-acre lush tropical landscape that is both a contemplative garden as well as a bird sanctuary.

Local Culture Tours

If architecture interests you, schedule a tour of the historic Wonder House in Bartow.

Lakeland Food Tours  and Winter Haven Food Tours offer visitors a way to enjoy tastings from a smattering of popular local restaurants with the assistance of a local guide.

You can show off your own artistic skills at PicassoZ Art Café in Lakeland, where you can paint along, make your own pottery or arrange an event for any occasion.LKLDarts org logo

Be sure to read about our Museums and Performing Arts scene. LKLDArts.org is also a great resource for Arts & Culture events taking place in Lakeland.

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RP Funding Center

Aerial view of RP Funding Center buildings and parking lot in Lakeland, FL

RP Funding Center is a multi-purpose entertainment complex featuring the 8,000-seat Jenkins Arena, 2,200-seat Youkey…

Address: 701 W. Lime St.
Lakeland, FL 33815

Phone: (863) 834-8133

info@rpfundingcenter.com

Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery

Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery

Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery hosts exhibits by Polk State students and faculty, as…

Address: 3425 Winter Haven Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803

Phone: (863) 297-1050

African-American Heritage Museum

Exterior of entrance and sign at African American Heritage Museum and Luster All Training Center of Hope in Bartow, FL

Learn about the importance of the African American historical legacy within the region of Central…

Address: 585 E. Summerlin St.
Bartow, FL 33830

Phone: (863) 800-6872

lusterafricanamericanmuseum@yahoo.com

Florida Dance Theatre

male and female dancers on stage during Florida Dance Theatre performance in Lakeland, FL

Polk County’s only professional dance company and training school. The company presents three major performances…

Address: 305 W. Main St.
Lakeland, FL 33815

Phone: (863) 802-0399

info@floridadancetheatre.org

Fort Meade Historical Society & Museum

Fort Meade Historical Society & Museum

Housed in Fort Meade's first school building, the museum features an extensive collection of area…

Address: 1 N. Tecumseh Ave.
Fort Meade, FL 33841

Phone: (863) 285-7474

museumfm@gmail.com

TheatreWorks Florida

Actors on stage during Christmas themed performance at TheatreWorks Florida in Davenport.

TheatreWorks Florida is Polk County's only professional, award-winning theatre company. See popular theatrical musicals as…

Address: 8 W. Palmetto St.
Davenport, FL 33837

Phone: (407) 340-0473

Polk Theatre

Polk Theatre

Historic Polk Theatre was built in 1928 and features an annual live performing arts series…

Address: 121 S. Florida Ave.
Lakeland, FL 33801

Phone: (863) 682-7553

info@polktheatre.org

Gram Parsons Derry Down

Gram Parsons Derry Down

Gram Parsons' Derry Down is a historic music venue opened in 1964 by Gram Parsons…

Address: 297 5th Street NW
Winter Haven, FL 33881

Phone: 863-295-9422

gpderrydown@gmail.com

Florida Wildflower Studios

Lady painting at Florida Wildflower Studios

Florida Wildflower Studios features an assortment of art classes as well as lots of art…

Address: 12 E Wall St.
Frostproof, FL 33843

Phone: 863-206-9691

LEARN & DISCOVER

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