Happy Birthday PMoA!

It’s our 55th Birthday at the Polk Museum of Art!

There have been a lot of changes to the Museum over the past 55 years! From new buildings and revolving exhibitions to unique events and acclaimed education programs, we’re constantly re-imagining how we can give you the best experience here at the Museum.

Take a trip back in time with us by clicking through the slide show below, and look at some of our most monumental and memorable moments through the years!

PMoA Through the Years

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the Polk Museum of Art's 55th birthday! It may be our birthday today, but it’s our 55th anniversary all year long! And there are always countless ways you can celebrate with us — whether in-person or virtually! As we look forward to 365 days of 55, as ever, we remain grateful for our community’s decades of support!

The Museum’s first home, located at 115 East Walnut St.

c. 1965

A group of students at the Museum (c. 1980)

We are proud to continually offer educational programming today, in the hope that we can instill a love of art in all students!

The Museum’s second location, housed in the former Publix Super Market’s building, is where we changed directions to be an entirely arts-focused institution.

(c. 1970)

Take a look inside our galleries in the year 1970!

Construction of the Museum’s current home, which was formally dedicated in September 1988

A look at what Mayfaire by-the-Lake was like 20 years ago! We are proud to have hosted one of the most celebrated arts festivals in the state of Florida for almost 50 years!

We were delighted to have Mayfaire come back in 2021! We thank you if you were able to visit, and hope to see you back again next year on the shores of Lake Morton.

On June 1, 2017, the Museum affiliated with Florida Southern College to offer area students, faculty, and the community-at-large more opportunities to experience Masterwork exhibitions, participate in academic programs of excellence as well as onsite internships, and conduct meaningful art history research.

We hope to see you in the galleries very soon! Admission is always free, and we are happy to have served the Lakeland community and beyond for over 55 years!