Step into the Orange County Regional History Center, a private non-profit history museum conveniently situated in downtown Orlando, Florida. Housed inside the historic 1927 neoclassical Orange County Courthouse building—originally designed by Orlando's very first registered architect, Murry S. King, and completed by his son James B. King—this grand five-story landmark invites you to explore the rich heritage of Central Florida.
As you walk through its historic doors, you will discover both permanent and traveling exhibitions spread across three floors, detailing local and regional history spanning back 2,000 years. You can admire the unique architecture of this historic site, which originally housed a top-floor jail with quarters for the jailor, before browsing the extensive collections of the Historical Society of Central Florida. On the first floor, you will find a bright Atrium alongside the Emporium Gift Shop, perfect for picking up a local souvenir. For visitors seeking deeper research, the fifth floor features the Joseph L.
Brechner Research Center, providing public access to an archive and library with more than 5,000 volumes. Whether you are discovering ancient pasts or exploring downtown history, a visit here offers an unforgettable journey.
What to see at Orange County Regional History Center
- Historic 1927 neoclassical courthouse setting
- Exhibits spanning 2,000 years of local history
- Joseph L. Brechner Research Center with 5,000+ volumes
- First-floor Atrium and Emporium Gift Shop
- Collections of the Historical Society of Central Florida
Visiting tips
Be sure to schedule an appointment in advance if you wish to access the fifth-floor research library and archives.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Orange County Regional History Center is easy to reach on Orlando’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Lake Eola Park and St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Orlando travel guide.
See the full Orlando travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.