Located in Maitland Fl and found just a few minutes from the downtown area of Orlando, the Maitland Art & History Museums include five total museums with plenty for visitors to enjoy. Experience the hands-on history exhibitions, along with fine art all throughout the museums. The Maitland Art Center and the Waterhouse Residence Museum were both added to the National Register of Historic Places and the Maitland Art Center was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2014.
The five museums making up the Maitland Art & History Museums include:
- Maitland Art Center
- Maitland Historical Museum
- Maitland Telephone Museum
- Waterhouse Residence Museum
- Carpentry Shop Museum
The museums are split into two campuses: The Main Campus and The Lake Lily Campus.
Collections & Preservations
When you visit the Maitland Art & History Museums, you will discover many collections and preservations throughout. The Maitland Art Center offers several visual art collections, while the Maitland Historical Museum, Carpentry Shop Museum, Telephone Museum, and The Waterhouse Residence Museum offer many historic collections.
Some of the most popular collections include:
- Artworks from Andre Smith, the Research Studio's founder
- Works from Milton Avery, Ralston Crawford, and Doris Lee
- Artwork from some of the top Central Florida artists from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s
- The original book collection from Andre Smith
- 3,500+ items documenting the life of small-town Florida
- 39 cubic feet of manuscripts and photographs
- An artifact collection with more than 80 cubic feet of historical items showing the history of Central Florida and Maitland
- Victorian residential items from 19th century Central Florida
- Antique Woodworking Tools
- A collection of equipment from the Winter Park Telephone Company from 1913 to 1979
- And more!
The collections show off some of the best artists from Central Florida, along with documenting the history of Central Florida.
Featured & Themed Exhibitions
Throughout the year, many temporary exhibits are featured at the Maitland Art & History Museums. Many of these exhibitions are immersive and offer a look at acclaimed American artists. Some examples of recent exhibitions include:
- Sweet, Fresh, Juicy: Florida Oranges in Art and History
- Holidays at the Waterhouse
- Soldier's Home: Veterans' Art in Central Florida
- J. Andre Smith and the Art of Camouflage
- Pressed Editions: Experimental Contemporary Prints
The museums also host several events throughout the year, which may feature talks with artists, workshops, and more.
Hours, Admission, & Membership
Museum hours are as follows:
- Maitland Art Center - Galleries from 11am to 4pm, Thursday through Sunday, Grounds open daily from 11am to 4pm, except major holidays.
- Maitland Historical Museum & Telephone Museum - 11am to 4pm, Thursday through Sunday
- Waterhouse Residence Museum & Carpentry Shop Museum - 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday only
- Main Museum Office - 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday
Admission to the Main Campus museums (Maitland Art Center, Historical Museum, and Telephone Museum) is $6 for general admission, $5 for seniors and students. Maitland residents receive a $1 discount on admission and the 2nd Thursday of the month is always free for Maitland Residents.
Admission for the Lake Lily Campus Museums (Waterhouse Residence Museum & Carpentry Shop Museum) is just $3. Seniors and Students get in for $2 and Maitland residents receive a $0.50 discount, along with free admission on every 2nd Thursday of the month. Museum membership is available for those looking to support the museums and wanting to enjoy many benefits, such as:
- Free admission to all museums and some events
- Free admission to the Bok Tower Gardens
- Members-only events
- Members-only areas during events
- Early-bird registration for programs
- Discounts on education programs
- Membership card and window decal
Membership to the Maitland Art & History Museums is $30 for students, seniors, and Maitland Residents, $40 for other adults, $50 for a senior couple or $60 for a Family/Household.
*Pricing an hours based on date this article was written. Subject to change without notice.
