Tucked within the tree-lined streets of Maitland lies one of Central Florida’s most extraordinary cultural gems — the Art & History Museums of Maitland (A&H). A National Historic Landmark and creative hub, A&H celebrates the intersection of art, architecture, and community connection, continuing a legacy that began nearly a century ago.
Founded in 1937 by artist and architect Jules André Smith, the Maitland Art Center was envisioned as an artist colony — a sanctuary for collaboration and experimentation. Smith’s whimsical campus, built of hand-carved concrete in a rare Mayan Revival style, still stirs curiosity today. Its courtyards, relief sculptures, and studios echo his belief that creativity is a lifelong journey of exploration and friendship.
Today, that same spirit flourishes across A&H’s four museums on two campuses:
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The Maitland Art Center, which hosts contemporary exhibitions and artist residencies;
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The Maitland History Museum and Telephone Museum, chronicling the region’s evolution and innovations in communication; and
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The Waterhouse Residence Museum, a preserved Victorian home that offers a glimpse into 19th-century life.
Through exhibitions, workshops, and outreach, the organization invites everyone—artists, families, and first-time visitors alike—to participate in meaningful conversations about art and history. “Everybody here is welcome,” reflects A&H staff. “Most of our programming is free because we believe the arts belong to everyone.”
Like many local institutions, A&H thrives thanks to the partnership and support of United Arts of Central Florida. United Arts provides essential operating grants, advocacy, and sustainability funding—covering the unglamorous but critical needs like utilities, maintenance, and staff. That ongoing partnership ensures that A&H can continue offering accessible, high-quality cultural experiences for the region.
From honoring Smith’s visionary architecture to fostering contemporary artistic voices, the Art & History Museums of Maitland stands as a testament to the transformative power of creativity and collaboration. As they say at A&H, this is more than a museum — it’s a space where community, curiosity, and imagination meet.
