Polk Museum of Art

800 East Palmetto Street
Lakeland FL 33801

Phone: 863-688-7743
Fax: 863-688-2611
Email: [email protected]

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Description:
The Junior Welfare League founded the all-volunteer Imperial Youth Museum 1966. In 1968, the first professional director was employed; and in 1969, the Museum was renamed Polk Public Museum to reflect the broadened emphasis on art, history and science.

In 1970, the Board of Trustees purchased a vacant supermarket building from Florida Southern College, which doubled exhibition and classroom space. In addition, the Museum established a strong art education program, working closely with the School Board. In 1983, the American Association of Museums accredited the Museum and planning began for the first building campaign. As part of that endeavor, the name "Polk Museum of Art" was adopted, reflecting the commitment to countywide outreach. The current facility was formally dedicated in September 1988 and opened debt-free.

Mission Statement:
The Polk Museum of Art shall function as a cultural art center for the general public, essentially educational and aesthetic in purpose, whose primary goal is to stimulate awareness and appreciation of the arts through the acquisition and care of a permanent collection as well as through exhibitions, workshops, lectures, classes, tours and performing events. (From the By-Laws of Polk Museum of Art, revised October 22, 1996.)