Tampa Museums

(Tampa, Florida - FL, USA)

Tampa is a city with an interesting history, a wealth of heritage and a good selection of museums. The local community is both aware and proud of its rich past. Therefore, it is not surprising that Tampa is home to many excellent museums, taking in all aspects of local history and presenting them in ways that are of interest to both community members and visitors.

With everything from science and industry displays to the cigar related exhibits at Ybor, the city's museums are sure to provide interest for all. One for the whole family is the Tampa Bay History Center, which stands on the waterfront, alongside the St. Pete Times Forum arena, and comes with a three-story atrium and some interesting prehistoric artifacts originating from the Gulf Coast of Florida.

American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship

Address: 705 Channelside Drive, Berth 271, Tampa, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 813 228 8766
The American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship provides visitors with a chance to visit an old vessel that served in WWII and in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The SS America Victory has now been transformed into a multi-purpose attraction offering cruises and serving as both a museum and mariners memorial. Tours include re-enactments of famous battles that the vessel was involved in.
Open hours: Wednesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Henry B. Plant Museum

Address: 401 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida FL, 33606, USA
Tel: +1 813 254 1891
The Henry B. Plant Museum is situated at the former Tampa Bay Hotel and takes a look at the history of this city through a range of special exhibits. Among the multitude of displays here are those chronicling the city's role in the Spanish-American War as well as others highlighting its progression from a simple tourist town into a modern metropolis.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: by donation

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)

Address: 4801 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 813 932 4313
The Museum of Science and Industry, or MOSI, offers visitors a wealth of exhibits with a good balance between education and fun. One of the main highlights is without question the BioWorks Butterfly Garden, which is a synthetically created ecosystem that mimics the conditions of natural wetlands. There's also an IMAX Dome Theater showing educational movies at various times throughout the day. Check out the 'Amazing You' tour which takes a unique look at the complexities of the human body.
Open hours: Sunday to Thursday - 09:00 to 17:00, Friday and Saturday - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Tampa Bay History Center

Address: 801 Old Water Street, Tampa, Florida FL, 33602, USA
Tel: +1 813 228 0097
The Tampa Bay History Center has recently moved to new premises within the Channelside district and continues to provide interesting exhibits for local community members and visitors alike. The principal theme of its varied displays is the history and heritage of the local area and among the artifacts on display are relics that once belonged to the American Indians who previously populated the area. Other noteworthy attractions at the center include a number of displays featuring objects related to the city's oceanic and military past.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children and large groups, children three years old and under are free

Ybor City Museum State Park

Address: 1818 9th Avenue, Tampa, Florida FL, 33605, USA
Tel: +1 813 247 6323
Visitors to the Ybor City Museum State Park can trace Ybor district's role in the cigar business that exploded here during the 19th century. This popular attraction is housed within a former bakery and contains a variety of displays featuring artifacts and memorabilia from the industry's hey day.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge