With hundreds of museums and galleries, scores of theaters and performing arts venues, ballet troupes, symphonies and festivals, the arts are front and center in Central Florida.
“Adding a cultural component to a group meeting is an excellent way to unwind after a full day of conference events,” says David Mink, director of audience development for Orlando’s Mad Cow Theatre.
Prepare to applaud—in 2014, the curtain rises on Orlando’s new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, but until then, here are four fabulous cultural experiences.
Kissimmee Sculpture Experience (www.kissimmeemainstreet.com): Situated throughout historic downtown Kissimmee are up to 16 sculptures crafted by local and visiting artists. Groups can stop in at the Kissimmee Main Street welcome center to pick up booklets detailing locations and descriptions, then stroll the downtown area to view each sculpture. Fill out a ballot naming your favorite and you’ll get a downtown discount card offering $300 in savings.
Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art (www.harn.ufl.edu), Gainesville: One of the largest university-affiliated art museums in the country, this University of Florida institution houses nearly 8,300 works of art, from African pieces to contemporary art and photography collections. An Asian art wing opened earlier this year with galleries dedicated to China, India, Japan, Korea and South/Southeast Asia. The museum offers group rates and dining.
Mad Cow Theatre (www.madcowtheatre.com), Orlando: Making its debut in a new location on Church Street, Mad Cow has been recognized as one of the region’s top five theaters, producing musicals, comedies, period dramas and new works fresh from Broadway and around the world. Group rates, reception spaces and buyouts are available, and the Mad Cow players can even come to your convention.
Ocala Symphony Orchestra (www.ocalasymphony.com): Performing at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Auditorium, the OSO offers an unexpected range of musical styles.
“It’s not your typical straight-laced concert,” says Sameed Afghani, executive director at Ocala Symphony Orchestra. “We do Beethoven and Mozart, but we also do movie music and pops.”
Group blocks are available.
