Rick’s Dragon Takes Flight to Florida Children’s Museum | Art•i•facts

Rick’s Dragon Takes Flight to Florida Children’s Museum

A beloved Lakeland landmark, Rick’s Dragon, has found a new home at the Florida Children’s Museum. The iconic metal sculpture, a creation of local artist Rick Olivo, was carefully relocated from its previous perch on the corner of South Florida Avenue and Ariana Street in downtown Lakeland to its new permanent residence at the museum, located at 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd.

The move, completed yesterday, April 14, 2026, marks a new chapter for the whimsical dragon, which has delighted residents and visitors for years. Known for its intricate details and vibrant presence, Rick’s Dragon has become a recognizable piece of Lakeland’s artistic landscape. Its new location at the Florida Children’s Museum, situated in the scenic Bonnet Springs area, will allow even more families and children to enjoy its charm and inspire creativity.

Museum officials expressed excitement about welcoming the sculpture, noting its perfect fit with their mission to engage and educate young minds through interactive exhibits and art. The dragon is now a prominent feature of the museum's outdoor area, visible to all who visit.