Tampa -  Recognized as one of the nation’s fastest growing cities, Tampa is a bustling port town that boasts multi-ethnic diversity and a revitalized downtown waterfront. Ybor City, which was once known as the “cigar capital of the world,” and is now a city-within-a-city offering Latin shops, ethnic restaurants, art galleries, and nightclubs. Local attractions include the 300-acre Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which is ranked among the top four zoos in the country; the Florida Aquarium; the Henry B. Plant Museum, which is the site of the old Tampa Bay Hotel and a national historic landmark; and the Tampa Museum of Art, which features the Southeast’s largest collection of Greek and Roman art.

Henry B. Plant Museum

Henry B. Plant Museum TAMPA  Housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, a Victorian-era extravaganza inspired by the Alhambra, this museum documents Tampa's history and development. Special exhibits showcase the city's role in the Spanish-American War and chart its progression from resort town to modern-day metropolis. The museum also features European and Asian artwork as well as period furnishings from the hotel's heyday. During the Christmas season, visitors can stroll through the historic museum accompanied by candlelight.
The Henry B. Plant Museum is located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606, approximately one mile off I-275 on the campus of The University of Tampa. From the north or south in Tampa on I-275, take exit 44 (old 25) (Ashley Street, Downtown) and proceed seven traffic lights to Kennedy Boulevard; turn right on Kennedy Boulevard. We are located one-quarter mile on the right. Enter The University of Tampa campus and you will see the large building with the silver minarets on top. We are located at the end of that building closest to Kennedy Boulevard. There is a sign on the front lawn and flags at our entrance.

Free on-street parking is available in front of the museum or in the parking garage two blocks away at the corner of North Boulevard and North "B" Street. The museum is fully accessible.

Hours  The Henry B. Plant Museum and the Museum Store are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 12 Noon to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Admission  A donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12 is requested. Henry B. Plant Museum members are admitted at no charge.

Tours  You will begin your tour with a 14-minute introductory video entitled "The Tampa Bay Hotel: Florida's First Magic Kingdom". The self-guided tour continues with a brochure that walks you through each room of the museum. Tour sheets are available in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish; also large print. If you prefer, a guided tour is offered Tuesday through Saturday at 1 p.m.

Reservations are needed for groups of 20 or more. Group rates are $4 per person for groups of 20 or more. Please call Sally Shifke at (813) 254-1891 Ext. 4, to make your group reservation and to schedule a docent-led tour if desired.


401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa 33606 · 813-254-1891