Plan
your Visit

Built in 1928, the historic Polk Theatre is spotted downtown Lakeland from South Florida Avenue by its iconic marquee lights. Inside, patrons are transported to an Italian-designed, Mediterranean architectural wonder featuring textured walls, faux balconies, and elaborate sconces and fixtures, all set under a deep blue starry sky ceiling. Concessions, including beer, wine, sodas, water, and popcorn are available at the theatre.

Situated in Lakeland on the award-winning campus at Florida Southern College, Branscomb Auditorium was designed by architect Nils Schweitzer. Schweitzer created the design to complement Frank Llyod Wright’s original “Child of the Sun” collection of structures, which exists nearby on campus. Florida Southern College is renowned for having the most extensive collection of single-site Frank Lloyd Wright structures in the world, and its auditorium was named in 1964 for the respected Methodist Bishop, John Branscomb.

Founded in 1966, the PMoA is a non-profit, private Smithsonian affiliate fine art museum located just south of downtown Lakeland. The museum houses over 2,800 pieces in its permanent collection, including works by Rembrandt van Rijn, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso. Admission is always free, and the museum sees over 14,000 visitors every year.

Located in the Old Polk County Courthouse on Bartow’s Mainstreet, the Polk History Center is home to the Historical Museum and the Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library. The Courthouse was constructed between 1908-1909, and the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

Opened in 1925 as the “Williamson,” this iconic theatre became “The Ritz’’ in 1932. What started as a theater featuring vaudeville acts and silent movies became a teen dance club before finding its footing again in the arts. Now, the historic Ritz Theatre is a cornerstone in vibrant downtown Winter Haven, featuring live events, movie screenings, concerts, and comedy shows.

Housed in a 1927 mission-style Catholic church, the Arts Council serves as the hub for arts and cultural enrichment in Lake Wales. With a focus on preserving the region’s rich cultural history, the Lake Wales Arts Council was incorporated in 1972 by community citizens. Today, the organization is home to musical performances, art exhibits, and art education programs for children.