It was renamed Polk Public Museum in 1969 as part of its expanded focus on art, history, and science.

The board of trustees for the Polk Public Museum acquired a vacant Publix Super Market in 1970.

The collection features a variety of media and includes work from numerous African cultures.

Some of these initiatives include tours of the museum, art camps for children and families, and classes and workshops on subjects such as photography, drawing, and painting.

"[20] "Changing Lives Through Art" is the museum's outreach program, which aims to help at-risk members of the community, including teenage mothers and children in homeless shelters.

[21] The free public charter school, Lakeland Montessori Middle, was formally located on the second floor.