Public Art

Take Flight Sculpture at the edge of Lake Eola

The City of Orlando Public Art Program exists to acquire, exhibit and support visual arts and regional artists in the Central Florida community. Currently, the collection contains more than 900 pieces including paintings, sculptures, tapestries and mixed media, which are displayed within City Hall, public buildings and throughout the city’s parks and neighborhood centers.

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Three galleries of rotating public art are on display, two of which are housed inside City Hall. The Terrace Gallery, open since the dedication of City Hall in 1992, features national and international artists and collections along with renown Florida artists. Movable free-standing walls offer versatility in a 2,000 square foot space that can accommodate unique exhibitions. The Terrace Gallery reflects the city’s dedication to the arts and it provides a space where visual artists can share insight with the community.

The Mayor’s 3rd Floor Gallery is specifically dedicated to Central Florida artists. The third floor circular gallery is a beautiful space featuring ongoing exhibits throughout the year with each artist or collection on display for approximately three months. Both galleries are free and open to the public.

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The third public art gallery is the Garden House Gallery located within Harry P. Leu Gardens. Here, visitors may roam the halls of this historic landmark and find revolving exhibits displaying fine art of botanical themes as well as permanent works owned by the city. 


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Estimates for the construction or renovation of capital projects include an amount for a Public Art Fund which represents a combined amount for works of art, architectural enhancement or special landscaping treatment equal to one percent (1%) of the total cost of the project.

Art works may be defined as works of art, architectural enhancement or special landscape treatment which may be integral parts of the building; situated within or outside the building, may be located in or near government facilities which have already been constructed, or may be located in other public places where numbers of people may experience them. The Public Art Fund does not roll over at the end of the fiscal year. The Public Art Fund is renewed at the beginning of each fiscal year depending upon the annual construction and renovation projections.

If an art work is deemed inappropriate for the site, the one percent (1%) may be used for other needs, purchases and projects for the Public Art Program. The location of works of art, architectural enhancement or special landscape treatment paid for out of project funds at a site other than the specific project site, requires a prior finding by the City Council that the location of works of art, architectural enhancement or special landscape treatment at the specific project site is inappropriate for that particular project, that it serves a municipal purpose to locate such are objects or improvements elsewhere, and that it is an appropriate use of those particular funds.

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