Rollins Museum of Art Ranked Best Arts Education in Orlando

October 10, 2023

By Jessica Firpi ’11

Honorary trustee Barbara Alfond ’68 ’18H sharing some of her favorite pieces from the contemporary art collection with students.
Honorary trustee Barbara Alfond ’68 ’18H sharing some of her favorite pieces from the contemporary art collection with students.Photo by Scott Cook.

Orlando Weekly has named the Rollins Museum of Art the Best Arts Education in its “Best of Orlando” 2023 issue.

In Orlando Weekly’s special issue spotlighting Orlando’s best and brightest events, locations, food, and more, the Rollins Museum of Art (RMA) took the top spot in the Best Arts Education category. The publication praised the educational family art kits distributed in partnership with the Orange County Public Library system, which included free YouTube art activities, and commended RMA for “prioritizing artists from historically underrepresented groups and exploring culturally connected themes.”

RMA is the only campus art museum in the greater Orlando area, and education is the cornerstone of its mission. Every year, RMA offers hundreds of tours, lectures, and educational workshops, as well as hands-on activities, films, and special programs for members. K-12 teachers also receive pre- and post-tour classroom activities and resources, including multidisciplinary standards addressed during the visit.

“Through its education programs, the Rollins Museum of Art extends its teaching mission to the entire community, free of charge,” says Ena Heller, Bruce A. Beal Director of RMA. “We are keenly aware of the importance of art engagement from an early age, its impact on critical and creative thinking, on developing empathy and intellectual curiosity, and we are proud to be able to offer a robust program of engagement options.”

The dynamic combination of more than 5,800 objects in the collection and traveling exhibitions provides many opportunities to engage visually, intellectually, and emotionally with significant works of art ranging from ancient to contemporary.

The recognition as Best Arts Education reflects the museum’s sustained commitment to acquiring works in various media, from different periods, and by artists of diverse backgrounds that are in alignment with RMA’s teaching mission and the curriculum of a liberal arts education.


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