Cirque du Soleil in Action!

Orlando is not all about Mickey Mouse ears and getting lost on the labyrinth of Harry Potter. If you’re looking for artistic and cultural activities, you’ve come to the right place. In fact, Orlando is home to the highest number of entertainers and artists per capita in the entire country!

Here are some artistic gems in the city:

Orange County Regional History Center: This center is affiliated with the Smithsonian, and is a good way for visitors to get acquainted with modern Orlando’s history. You’ll learn about Paleo-Indians who lived in the region some 12,000 years ago and also about the pioneers and settlers who helped progress the city.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: Fans of Louis Comfort Tiffany need to put this famed museum on their list because it is the world’s most comprehensive collection of his jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, windows, lamps and assorted crafts. Laurelton Hall, Tiffany’s noted home and located in Laurel Hollow, New York, has a special wing dedicated to it (this opened in 2011).

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra: This is the resident orchestra of Central Florida, and it presents the Festival of Orchestras concert series that features visiting orchestras from around the world. This series started in 1985. Imagine visiting Orlando and being able to listen to some of the finest musicians without ever leaving…now that’s a reason to visit right there.

Dance and Ballet: From the Center for Contemporary Dance to the Orlando Ballet and Central Florida Ballet (which premiered in 2000), there’s something here for all dance buffs, no matter what your style. Orlando Ballet is Central Florida’s only fully professional ballet company.

Theatrical Arts: From the Blue Man Group to Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, there’s no shortage of theatrical arts activities OUTSIDE the realm of Disney. The Orlando Fringe Festival occurs each May with over 500 performances by local and national artists.

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photo: derekskey