Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden – Winter Park, Florida
Internationally known sculptor, Albin Plaskek, began his foundation in 1961 to display some of his many works of art. There are currently 200 works of his art on display at the museum and garden in the simplistic style he preferred.
The history of Albin Plasek is truly the story of dedication to his art. He worked in stone, bronze, plaster, wood and painting although his legacy is left in the sculptures he created. He was born in 1879 in Frenstat, Morovia (now the Czech Republic) and immigrated to the US in 1901. He studied art at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under mentor Charles Grafly. While a student he produced "Man Carving His Own Destiny" (1907) and "The Eternal Moment" (1909) which are two of his earliest and most acclaimed works.
The same year he created "The Eternal Moment" he became a US citizen. Polasek’s most recognized impact on the American art scene began when he was invited to head the Department of Sculpture at the Art Institute in Chicago, a position he retained for nearly 30 years. He gained a reputation as a “Chicago” artist because he created many monumental landmarks. His sculptures can still be seen throughout the city in front of buildings and in parks.
Large public commissions made Polasek a renowned sculptor. The Sower (1913) was a controversial nude piece that is now proudly displayed in the Chicago Botanical Garden. Also in Chicago, the Spirit of Music (1923) resides in memory of the founder of the Chicago Symphony, Theodore Thomas.
Abroad, Polasek’s work is just as highly regarded. The Czech Republic holds in great esteem the Wilson Memorial (1926 ), Radigast (1929) and Sts. Cyril and Methodius (1929). Additionally, his bronze sculpture depicting the grief and horror of World War II, Mother Crying Over the World (1942), evoked an emotional response world-wide and is still meaningful today
He retired to Winter Park, Florida in 1950 and married his longtime companion and former student, Ruth Sherwood. At the time he was 71 years old and Sherwood was his first wife. Sherwood passed away 18 months after their marriage.
Although Polaset suffered a stroke after moving to Winter Park he continued to paint, draw, sculpt clay, carve wood and, with assistance, carve stone from his wheelchair with his left side of his body paralyzed. During this time he created 18 new, more intimate pieces.
He married a second time at the age of 82 to Emily Muska Kubat. It is with her that they began the Albin Polaset Foundation to share his life’s work with the public.
Location: Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
633 Osceola Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32789
Gallery and Gardens Open:
September 1 thru June 30
Galleries, Historic Residence and Chapel
Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
entrance fees apply
garden access is free
July 1 through August 31
Gardens are open
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Call in advance to confirm times
No entrance fees apply
garden access is free
(donations encouraged)
Admission:
$5.00 adults
$4.00 seniors
$3.00 students
Members and children younger than 12 are free
FREE on site parking
The Polasek offers a variety of group tour options with advanced reservations.
For Group Reservations, Garden Tours, Custom Tours,
Special Needs, Educational or School Groups,
Please email info@polasek.org.
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