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Exploring museums in Tampa is a great way to dive into the cultural heart of the city! As someone who has immersed themselves in Tampa’s vibrant arts and culture scene, I understand the excitement of discovering the diverse range of museums Tampa has to offer.
From fascinating exhibits to interactive experiences, each museum in Tampa has its own unique story to tell. Whether you’re a local looking to dive deeper into Tampa’s history or a visitor eager to uncover the city’s hidden gems, this guide will be your key to unlocking the best museums in Tampa.
Museums in Tampa
The Tampa Bay History Center
Who knew diving into the past could be such a blast? At the Tampa Bay History Center, you’re in for a wild ride through 12,000 years of Florida’s history. Imagine stepping into a time machine that takes you from the early native inhabitants and Spanish conquistadors to cigar factory workers and sports legends.
With three floors of interactive exhibits, it’s like a history book that’s come to life! You can don a pirate hat, navigate a ship, or even march through a historical army fort. Plus, the little ones can go on their own treasure hunt. It’s one of the best things to do on the Tampa Riverwalk and is a perfect blend of education and entertainment.
Adult tickets are $16.95 and youth (7-17) tickets are $12.95. While you’re in the area be sure to check out some of the amazing restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk or Water Street Restaurants!
Enhance your Tampa Bay History Museum experience by taking it to the next level with the Tampa History Cruise. This cruise offers a unique perspective on Tampa’s rich history, allowing you to see iconic landmarks and learn fascinating stories while cruising along the waterfront.
Tampa Museum of Art
Get ready to be dazzled at the Tampa Museum of Art. Nestled in the heart of downtown Tampa, this shining beacon of creativity showcases ancient, modern, and contemporary art. Whether you’re admiring the ancient Greek and Roman sculptures or getting lost in the bold strokes of modern masterpieces, there’s a variety of art to be admired.
The museum is also known for its engaging community programs, from Art Spot for the kiddos to lectures that might just spark your next great idea. Not to mention the building itself—a work of art, glowing with LED lights every evening, ensuring the art vibes keep flowing even after closing time.
Tickets cost $25.
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA)
Click your way into the dynamic world of photography at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA). This museum showcases stunning photography that captures the essence of time, people, and places.
At FMoPA, you can behold the beauty of black-and-white photography, be moved by the power of documentary shots, or even explore the cutting-edge of digital photographs. The museum not only celebrates the art form but also educates about the significance of photography in society.
Feeling inspired? They offer classes too, so you can sharpen your own skills!
Tickets are $12, but they often have discounted tickets on Groupon, check here!
The Glazer Children’s Museum
The Glazer Children’s Museum, a place that lets kids’ imaginations run wild! This museum in Tampa is all about hands-on fun, learning through interactive games, and creative play that stimulates young minds. Kids can play, learn, and connect with the world around them.
Explore Art Smart and express yourself through dance, music, and color, or venture into Big John to get up close with the world’s largest Triceratops fossil. Don’t miss out on the excitement of the Water’s Journey Climber, where young adventurers can climb, race, and take on new challenges. With so many interactive exhibits like these, there’s something exciting for every little explorer at the Glazer Children’s Museum!
Tickets are $18.
The Henry B. Plant Museum
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the opulent history of the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel at the Henry B. Plant Museum! This dynamic Tampa museum invites you to explore original furnishings and artifacts that capture the lavish lifestyle of the Victorian railroad resort era.
As you go on the self-guided audio tour, get ready to be transported to the golden age of American transportation, where the vision of Henry B. Plant comes to life. Unlike your typical museum experience, the Henry B. Plant Museum offers a glimpse into the past with actual furnishings used by the hotel’s first guests.
It’s your chance to experience a slice of Florida’s Gilded Age, with all its intrigue and charm! Tickets cost $12.
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is another great family-friendly activity in Tampa where over 100 hands-on activities await! Dive into a bed of nails, unravel optical illusions, and challenge your mind with brain puzzles.
Explore the lunar colony in their NASA-funded Mission: Moonbase exhibit or observe the graceful flutter of butterflies. MOSI isn’t just a museum—it’s an engaging playground for curious minds of all ages! Tickets cost $14 for adults and $10 for children.
Not too far from here, you’ll find one of the best botanical gardens in Tampa Bay, The University of South Florida Botanical Gardens. Make a day of it!
Are you ready to experience these amazing museums in Tampa?
Each of these museums in Tampa offers a unique and captivating experience that celebrates art, history, science, and everything in between! If you have time, I highly recommend taking a day trip to one of the surrounding areas and visiting the renowned Ringling Museum in Sarasota or immersing yourself in the mesmerizing art collections at the Chihuly Collection and Dali Museum in St. Pete.
Before you go be sure to follow @sunkissedintampa_ on Instagram and check out some other Tampa blog posts:
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Fun roller skating rinks in Tampa
Places for acupuncture in Tampa
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