The Maitland Art Center was originally designed as a winter retreat for artists to escape Northern winters.
The buildings are noted for their 'Mayan Revival' style, featuring detailed concrete carvings created by André Smith and his staff.
The site remains one of the few examples of Mayan-inspired architecture in the state of Florida.
It is a designated National Historic Landmark, recognized for its preservation of 1930s-era experimental art studios.
The Telephone Museum features a collection of vintage switchboards and rotary phones reflecting regional telecommunications history.
The Art & History Museums of Maitland, known as A&H, is a collection of historic sites featuring a unique blend of Mayan and Aztec revival architecture. The campus centers on the Maitland Art Center, which was founded in 1937 by visionary artist André Smith as an experimental art colony. The grounds are characterized by lush, garden-like courtyards decorated with intricate cast-concrete ornamentation and bas-relief murals. Visitors can explore the historic studio spaces, the Telephone Museum, and the Maitland Historical Museum located nearby. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance. It serves as an active cultural hub, hosting changing contemporary art exhibitions, artist residencies, and community events throughout the year.
The central Main Garden courtyard, specifically near the reflecting pool and the ornate, carved concrete columns.
Walk the garden paths slowly to inspect the intricate hand-poured concrete carvings on the exterior walls.
Check the official website's event calendar, as the venue frequently hosts outdoor community workshops and rotating artist exhibitions.
Allow extra time to wander the smaller historical museums on the campus, which are often overlooked compared to the main art center.
Do not overlook the smaller side galleries on the campus, as they often house the most unique historical artifacts.
Closed on Mondays.
Casual, comfortable walking shoes are recommended for navigating the garden pathways and historic uneven floors.
