Tampa, Florida has a number of museums that range from art to photography and more that you can visit with the family. Here is a list of the top five museums in Tampa, FL.
Tampa Bay History Center
Founded in 2009, this museum specializes in the local area and has a number of educational programs and services. Its exhibits cover approximately five centuries of history as well as twelve thousand years of prehistory. The museum utilizes the latest technology to highlight numerous artifacts and has more than forty thousand items in its collection.
The facility is well organized and maintained and includes the Columbia restaurant where you can enjoy a bite during your stay. At the entrance, visitors will be presented with an exhibit detailing Florida’s discovery. As you traverse the floors, you will get to view and learn about prehistoric fossils, the Seminole tribe, the Spanish expedition, cigar making, and wars. There is also a big pirate ship on display in the museum.
Henry B. Plant Museum
This is one of Tampa’s oldest museums, having been established in 1933. It has the distinction of being the country’s only museum to be housed in a Victorian-era railroad resort. The ambiance of the hotel has been thoughtfully preserved to showcase the 19th-century lifestyle and includes fourteen exhibit rooms along with a rotational exhibit. It is named after Henry Bradley Plant, a tycoon known for his investments in steamships, hotels, and railroads.
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
This museum was founded in 2001 by Cynthia Flowers, an entrepreneur that wanted to create a facility that showcases Tampa photography. Its very first show was called “Masters of Black & White” and received critical acclaim. The building covers two floors and it offers classes for students who want to learn how to take and process photos. One of the most popular exhibits is by Bruce Dale, which includes more than forty portraits, as well as pieces from Olivia Parker which includes her “Vanishing in Plain Sight” works.
Tampa Museum of Art
This museum opened in 1979 and specializes in contemporary and modern art. It offers a number of public programs and hosts various special exhibitions throughout the year. It is the largest museum of its kind, covering fourteen thousand square feet and uses LEDs in its facade. This space allows the museum to showcase the various forms of art while also holding classes for students. Sono Café can also be found in the same building, which serves delicious food and beverages to visitors.
The Dali Museum
This is one of Tampa’s top attractions for art lovers, especially those that are fans of Salvador Dali, the Surrealist master. Founded in 1982, the museum is open 7 days per week and includes various works from Dali along with Café Gala which offers authentic cuisine from Spain. Salvador Dali was born in 1904 and produced a host of oil paintings during his long career. This museum has more than 2100 works which include original drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, photos, and various documents.
