Orlando’s astonishing breadth of cultural options may surprise you (group event at Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts pictured).
Orlando is brimming with cultural venues and experiences that will enrich any meeting agenda. Here, your group can take in a major Broadway production or an intimate jazz session at a world-class performing arts center, enjoy a cocktail reception amidst incredible artworks and more.
Read on to discover the various ways you can incorporate Orlando’s vibrant cultural scene into your Orlando meeting.
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World-Class Music Venues in One Place
Whether you want to feature a performance in your itinerary or hold a memorable private function, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts offers multiple theaters, lobbies and event spaces, with catering, that make the facility a go-to option for staging spectacular events.
Walt Disney Theater
With capacity for 2,711 attendees, this theater boasts exceptional sightlines that let every guest enjoy the same unforgettable experience, no matter where they are seated. It’s hosted everything from Broadway and community theater to awards ceremonies and keynotes, resulting in an inspiring space that’s yours to transform.
Steinmetz Hall
This multiform theater transforms in shape, seating and acoustics—from a 1,650-seat orchestra hall with 360-degree seating to a 1,500-seat proscenium house for dance, voice, theater and more. As one of the world’s most acoustically perfect spaces, Steinmetz Hall is designed to achieve an N1 sound rating—the lowest level at which humans can detect sound.
Additionally, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra has currently taken up residence at Steinmetz Hall along with the Orlando Ballet.
Judson’s Live!
Tucked inside the Dr. Phillips Center is Judson’s Live. This new intimate, 150-seat, cabaret-style music space has unparalleled sound and a scratch-kitchen menu with hand-crafted cocktails where groups can listen to musicians – from Grammy winning icons to up and coming artists -- of every genre including blues, jazz, Latin and soul and more.
Meet Among the Artwork
Orlando’s eclectic collection of museums offers stunning event spaces that will put your group right in the middle of our cultural scene.
Orlando Museum of Art
Just 10 minutes from downtown Orlando in Loch Haven Cultural Park, adjacent to Lake Formosa, the Orlando Museum of Art offers attractive function space that exhibits stunning pieces by glass sculpture artist Dale Chihuly and many other renowned artists. Flexible meeting space can accommodate small cocktail receptions or, for a full buyout, up to 250-plus guests who can roam freely throughout all galleries.
Mennello Museum of American Art
Also part of Loch Haven Cultural Park, The Mennello Museum of American Art features several spots for special events, including the Earl Cunningham Gallery (named for the famed folk artist) for gatherings up to 30, or the Porch, with bucolic views of the sculpture garden, accommodating groups with 50 or more guests.
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Another creative venue is the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park. This historic lakefront property houses more than 200 works by its namesake Czech artist and hosts tour groups in its indoor art gallery. The celebrated 1885 Capen House at the Polasek features over 2,500 square feet of event space and three-and-a-half acres of manicured grounds and lakefront gardens for outdoor meetings and celebrations, including tenting capabilities.
Leu Gardens
To add natural beauty to your agenda, hold your meeting or event at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Part of the Audubon Park Garden District just minutes from downtown Orlando, this historical botanical oasis features 50 acres of beautiful, cultivated gardens with over 40 diverse plant collections from around the world. Leu Gardens offers a variety of indoor and outdoor options to host your group.
Cultural Experiences
Whether your group wants a guide tour or just peruse on their own, have them experience Orlando’s art galleries which showcase works ranging from contemporary masterpieces that unveil the diverse artistic expressions that represents Central Florida’s vibrant identity.
Downtown Orlando Art & Food Tour
Led by knowledgeable guides, The Downtown Orlando Art & Food Tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as Lake Eola and the Sculptures on the Lawn where art and architecture harmonize in a stunning outdoor setting. Experience the innovative exhibitions at Snap! Orlando and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Downtown Arts District at CityArts. Groups will also Indulge in delectable tastings from top-rated, locally owned eateries like Papi Smash'd Burger, where they serve up the best smash style burgers with a Latin flare.
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Include The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park to your agenda so your group can view the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. It features Tiffany’s jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass and even a chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Rollins Museum of Art
Located on the campus of Rollins College in Winter Park, the Rollins Museum of Art features a Walking Sculpture Tour displaying seven pieces of contemporary art and many gifts from Barbara and Theodore Alfond, both Rollins graduates. Book your group at The Alfond Inn nearby, and they’ll see many more pieces of art from the Alfonds’ personal collection.
Wells’Built Hotel
Located in Orlando’s historic Parramore district, the Wells’Built Hotel, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, was converted into a museum housing memorabilia of Orlando’s African-American community and displays on the Civil Rights movement along with African art and artifacts.
So, tell your group to pack their opera glasses because your next meeting is being added to the Orlando playbill.
