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Exploring museums in Tampa is the perfect way to dive into the cultural heart of the city! Whether you’re a local looking to soak up some history or a visitor eager to explore Tampa’s arts scene, there’s a museum for every interest. From interactive exhibits to stunning artwork, these spots bring the city’s past and present to life in the best way possible!
Museums in Tampa
1. The Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center is basically a time machine, taking you through 12,000 years of Florida’s history. From the first native inhabitants and Spanish explorers to cigar factory workers and Tampa’s sports legends, every floor tells a different story.
With three floors of interactive exhibits, history actually comes to life here. You can navigate a ship, try on a pirate hat, or even march through a historical army fort. If you’ve got kids with you, they’ll love the treasure hunt experience designed just for them.
Located right on the Tampa Riverwalk, this museum is the perfect stop before grabbing a bite at one of the amazing restaurants nearby.
Tickets: $16.95 for adults, $12.95 for youth (7-17).
Want to take your history fix to the next level? Check out the Tampa History Cruise, where you’ll get a whole new perspective on Tampa’s past while cruising along the waterfront!
2. Tampa Museum of Art
Prepare to be dazzled at the Tampa Museum of Art. Sitting right in downtown Tampa, this museum blends ancient, modern, and contemporary art under one roof. Whether you’re drawn to Greek and Roman sculptures or bold modern masterpieces, there’s always something eye-catching on display.
One of the coolest things? The museum literally glows at night thanks to its LED-lit exterior, so the artistic vibes don’t stop when the doors close.
They also host some amazing community programs—kids can unleash their creativity at Art Spot, and adults can dive into thought-provoking lectures and workshops.
Tickets: $25.
3. The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA)
Calling all photography lovers—the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is where you need to be. This museum highlights stunning photography that captures everything from powerful documentary shots to experimental digital pieces.
If you’re the type to stop and admire a perfectly framed photo, you’ll love wandering through the exhibits. They also offer photography classes, so if you’re feeling inspired, you can brush up on your own skills while you’re there.
Tickets: $12 (but they often have discounts on Groupon, check here for deals!).
4. The Glazer Children’s Museum
The Glazer Children’s Museum is where kids can learn, play, and explore in the most fun way possible. Everything here is hands-on and interactive, making it the ultimate educational playground for young minds.
From the Art Smart area—where they can express themselves through dance, music, and color—to the chance to stand next to Big John, the world’s largest Triceratops fossil, there’s never a dull moment. And don’t even get me started on the Water’s Journey Climber—a full-on adventure course where kids can climb, race, and tackle fun challenges.
Tickets: $18.
5. The Henry B. Plant Museum
Step into Tampa’s Gilded Age at the Henry B. Plant Museum, where the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel still stands in all its Victorian-era glory. This isn’t just a museum—it’s a time capsule filled with original furnishings, artifacts, and stories from when railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant turned Tampa into a luxury destination.
With a self-guided audio tour, you’ll get a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by guests over a century ago. Think grand chandeliers, ornate furniture, and lavish décor straight out of a period drama.
If you love history, elegance, and a little old-world charm, this is one stop you don’t want to miss!
Tickets: $12.
6. Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
If you love hands-on fun, the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is basically a giant science playground where you can dive into over 100 interactive exhibits.
Ever wanted to lie on a bed of nails? You can. Feel like tricking your brain with optical illusions? They’ve got that too. And if space fascinates you, the NASA-funded Mission: Moonbase exhibit lets you explore what living on the moon might actually be like!
For a more relaxing moment, wander through the butterfly garden and watch these beauties flutter around. Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, MOSI makes learning ridiculously fun.
Tickets: $14 for adults, $10 for kids.
Bonus tip—since you’re in the area, stop by the University of South Florida Botanical Gardens to soak in one of the best botanical gardens in Tampa Bay!
Are you ready to experience these amazing museums in Tampa?
Whether you’re in the mood for art, history, science, or photography, museums in Tampa bring the city’s stories to life in the most exciting ways. From pirate history to Victorian elegance, interactive exhibits to glowing artwork, there’s truly something for everyone.
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:
Best date night restaurants in Tampa
Fun roller skating rinks in Tampa
Places for acupuncture in Tampa
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