Central Florida has a rich history that goes way beyond its theme parks and tourist attractions. At Orange County Regional History Center, located in Downtown Orlando, four floors of exhibits explore more than 12,000 years of Central Florida's heritage and backstory, making it an educational outing that's perfect for a daytime date or—on the third Thursday of each month—a date night.
Curious how to plan a museum date to Orange County Regional History Center? Read on for everything you need to know about this beautiful museum.
What is Orange County Regional History Center?
The Orange County Regional History Center is a museum located inside what was once the main courthouse in Downtown Orlando. The museum opened in 2000 and is operated by Orange County and the Historical Society of Central Florida. There are four floors of exhibits inside the museum, ranging in subject from Florida's first indigenous people to over 100 years of Orlando tourist attractions.
The museum itself is beautiful, with vibrant, easy-to-follow exhibits and plenty of opportunities to learn about Central Florida's rich history and back story. There's also a preserved courtroom from the building's courthouse days, as well as the old courthouse clock, where if you look closely, you can see where two lovers scratched their initials into the clock face. (Talk about romantic!)
What to know before you visit Orange County Regional History Center
The Orange County Regional History Center is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando at Magnolia Avenue and Central Boulevard. There's plenty of easy parking available in the Library Parking Garage (112 East Central Boulevard) across from the Orlando Public Library and the museum offers validated parking (for up to two hours) with the purchase of your museum ticket.
Monday through Saturday, the museum is open from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. and on Sunday, it's open from noon to 5 p.m. Once a month, on the third Thursday of the month, the museum also stays open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for evening hours.
Adult admission is just $8, with special discounts for groups like seniors, members of the military, and Orange County employees. Plus, it is part of the Local Wanderer program!
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What kinds of exhibits are at Orange County Regional History Center?
The way Orange County Regional History Center's exhibits are presented is truly impressive. Each display is modern and vibrant with easy-to-understand text, stunning art and models, interactive displays, and more. The ongoing exhibits at the museum cover things like Central Florida's cattle and citrus industries, its role in the aviation industry, how the arrival of Walt Disney World Resort in 1971 changed the landscape, and more.
The museum is a must-visit for anyone who lives in or is visiting the Central Florida area and wants to learn more about the region, as the information contained within its exhibits truly is top-notch.
In addition to ongoing exhibits, the museum hosts special exhibits that are showcased for a limited time. Past special exhibits have covered everything from remembering the tragic Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting to showcasing 50 years of improvements and development in Downtown Orlando.
Does Orange County Regional History Center have special events?
The special events calendar at Orange County Regional History Center is filled with extra activities and opportunities, most of which would make for some great bonding time with your partner. From concerts to seminars to festivals celebrating arts and culture, the museum has an ongoing calendar of special upcoming events that's worth checking out as you plan when you'd like to visit.
How to plan a date at Orange County Regional History Center
Whether you plan to visit Orange County Regional History Center during its daytime hours or on one if its Thursday night events, it shouldn't take more than about an hour to walk through the museum and experience its exhibits. Since it's located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, it's a perfect spot to visit before or after grabbing a meal at one of Downtown Orlando's restaurants.
Another great way to turn the museum into a date night is to visit close to the 5 p.m. closing time, then head out after touring the museum to do a happy hour together in Downtown Orlando.
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Whenever you decide to visit, the museum's modern design, beautiful exhibits, and interactive style make it a perfect spot for spending some time exploring and learning with your sweetie.
