EXPLORE THE MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART IN WINTER PARK

EXPLORE THE MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART IN WINTER PARK

Explore the Morse Museum: A Winter Park Gem

Tucked away in the charming city of Winter Park, Florida, just a few miles from our historic Thurston House bed and breakfast, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is a hidden gem that beckons art enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious minds alike. This remarkable museum is renowned for its extensive collection of American decorative and fine arts, particularly its unparalleled holdings of works by renowned artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Let’s uncover the Morse Museum’s offerings, its rich history, and exciting events to look forward to during the 2023 holiday season.

Louis Comfort Tiffany Collection

The Morse Museum boasts a diverse and awe-inspiring array of American artistry spanning several centuries. Its centerpiece is the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933), the celebrated artist known for his exquisite stained glass creations. Visitors are transported into a world of shimmering beauty as they explore Tiffany’s intricate glass lamps, windows, jewelry, and other decorative arts. The Morse Museum also houses an exquisite chapel interior designed by Tiffany for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, known as the “Tiffany Chapel,” which is a breathtaking sight to behold.

Architectural objects and art from his Long Island country estate, Laurelton Hall, are also on display.In addition to Tiffany’s creations, the museum features a wide range of American art, including pottery, paintings, and decorative objects from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection includes pieces by prominent artists and designers such as John La Farge, Alice Gouvy, and Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

A Glimpse into the Morse Museum’s History

The Morse Museum has a history as rich and captivating as the art it houses. It was founded in 1942 by Jeannette Genius McKean, who named the museum after her grandfather, Winter Park philanthropist Charles Hosmer Morse. Together, she and her husband, Hugh McKean, who directed the Museum for many years, dedicated their lives to preserving Tiffany’s legacy and promoting American art. The McKeans built the collection over half a century, and today, their vision has resulted in a museum that stands as a testament to their passion and commitment.

Originally housed on the campus of Rollins College, it opened on North Park Avenue in 1995, today occupying over 42,000 square feet of gallery space. The Morse is owned and operated privately by foundation and receives no public funds.

Christmas Holidays at the Morse Museum 2023

One of the most exciting events to look forward to during the holiday season in Central Florida is “Christmas in the Park” in Winter Park. Each year, the Morse Museum helps launch this festive season when they light up Tiffany windows in Central Park and present the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble in concert. This year, the 45th annual celebration of Christmas in the Park, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 30 starting at 6:15pm. The Museum’s website tells the touching history of the event and the significance or the windows.

Another beloved holiday tradition at the Morse Museum is the “Friday Nights at the Morse” series, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the museum after hours in a special and engaging way. Each Friday night during the series, the museum comes alive with a variety of activities, including live music, art demonstrations, and special tours. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of American art while enjoying a vibrant and social atmosphere.

The 2023-2024 season series coincides with the holiday festivities in Winter Park and kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 24, 2023, with a lively jazz quartet.  Holiday Friday Nights will continue every Friday night through the end of 2023. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just looking for a fun and cultural night out, “Friday Nights at the Morse” is an event not to be missed.

Visiting the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The Museum is located at 445 N Park Avenue in Winter Park, Florida. Free parking is available behind the Museum and on several levels of the Park Place garage across from the Museum. The Museum and Museum Shop are open every day except on Mondays, and visitors can make appointments on the Museum’s website: https://morsemuseum.org/plan-your-visit/. Several  orientation videos are offered online as well, and the Museum provides complimentary audio tours of the galleries via cell phone.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Florida, is a cultural treasure that invites visitors to explore the beauty and history of American art. It’s remarkable collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s works and its dedication to preserving American artistry make it a must-visit destination.

Plan a weekend getaway to Winter Park during this Christmas season and include “Friday Nights at the Morse” in your plan. The Museum, and Central Park are just a quick ten minutes from our historic bed and breakfast, Thurston House. Who knows, but very likely the Morses and the Thurstons attended the same social events while wintering in Central Florida in the late 1800s. And surely, both families offered comfortable and gracious accommodations to their friends and family visiting during the holidays.

Certainly today, the Morse Museum promises an enchanting and immersive experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the museum’s offerings. Mark your calendars, book your stay at Thurston House, and prepare to be captivated by the area’s artistry and history this Christmas season!

10 Ways To Enjoy Your North Orlando Holidays

Let’s face it, the holidays can be tough on your time and energy. What are some of the ways you can step back, relax, and really enjoy the holidays?

 

 

1. Attend the Culture and Cocktails Event at the Maitland Art Center on Friday December 14th. Art, history and good food offerings combined together to make it a wonderful night out in a beautiful place.

2. Go skating – There are two places that offer skating to the public, RDV Sports Center in Maitland and the City of Winter Park. Yes, it is cold and icy some places in Central Florida!

3. Walk around beautiful Lake Lily and enjoy the park decorations and the Christmas tree.

4. Stroll Park Avenue in Winter Park for fabulous dining and shopping.

5. Shop for holiday gifts at the Maitland Art Center gift shops. Find one of a kind items for fabulous prices!

6. Park at Lake Lily, stroll around a bit then take a short walk to one of the great dining options that are right there. From Rangetsu Contemporary Japanese dining, to So Napa’s wine inspired food offerings, to Antonio’s Cafe and Trattoria…what more could you desire?

7. Be inspired at the Morse Museum’s fabulous collection of Tiffany. The museum is all decorated inbeautiful holiday splendor.

8. Try to find the Waterhouse mouse, hidden among the Victorian decorations at the Waterhouse Residence Museum.

9. Stroll around Winter Park Village where fine dining, shopping and even a movie theater await you. Try Mitchell’s Fish Market or Truffle’s Grill, two of our guests favorite places to dine.

10. And the most important suggestion – book a night at North Orlando’s finest bed & breakfast, Thurston House in Maitland. Everywhere you look there are holiday decorations and soft music playing. Relax in your room, or on one of the porches and just enjoy the calm that is what we are most famous for. Don’t you deserve this?

See Maitland & Winter Park by Bicycle!

When planning your escape to beautiful Central Florida, plan something different by renting a classic bicycle from Breakaway Bicycle and roam around all our beautiful side streets. Visit all the little hidden parks, travel from museum to museum, go to the Audubon Birds of Prey Center, grab some food and stop for a picnic lunch at Lake Lily…so much to enjoy! 

The icing on the cake, is the fact that you can spend the night at North Orlando’s premier bed & breakfast, Thurston House!

Happy Holidays from Central Florida!

Antique Skiing Santa

As I look around our Maitland bed & breakfast, I see so many Christmas memories of  the past. There is the skiing Santa I remember from our childhood home on Montana Drive, the hand made star shaped Swedish decorative cloth on the table, the tree skirt that Joe’s Grandmother Antoninette made, the many small ceramic holiday characters that Joe buys me every year….and so much more. Every item gives me a warm memory.

Christmas 2010

We will be sharing all of these with a full house from now until the end of the year. Our guests do appreciate the warmth these special items bring. That is why they visit Thurston House over and over again! Come experience it for yourselves sometime in 2011 – book your accommodations now.

A blessed holiday to one & all from Carole & Joe!

Holiday Celebrations & Fun in Central Florida!

There is much in the way of festivities near our Maitland bed & breakfast this time of year. Enjoy the latest exhibit at the Maitland Art Center – Robert Reedy’s DooDah DADA…  Tour the beautiful Waterhouse Residence Museum, dressed in all it’s holiday glory… Go ice skating outside in Winter Park… Enjoy watching the Winter Park Parade of Boats 12/11 at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden… Or just drive around the beautiful old neighborhoods and look at all the gorgeous lights & decorations.

1858 Chickering Square Grand piano

There are many restaurants with special holiday menus too, including one of our guest favorites – Antonio’s la Fiamma. They are just completing a long awaited addition that includes more seating, including wonderful outdoor dining spaces too! Book your room now and come see how special this area is. Thurston House is all decorated too!

Tis the Season – Central Florida Style!

1st camellia of the season!

The season is upon us in Maitland, Fl, at our Central Florida bed & breakfast. The reason I know this, is that the first of our camellia bushes has blossumed! Always first, this beautiful deep pink camellia is right by the parking area, greeting guests with its beauty. Soon the yard will be awash with all different types and colors, from large petal red ones, to small delicate white ones…they amaze me with their beauty every year.

oranges

Our orange and tangerine trees are starting to ripen too, and will be nice & sweet, ready to make juice by early January. Guests are always encouraged to take tangerines home with them as there is always an over abundance! Book your Thurston House room now and enjoy a bit of holiday cheer.