Tampa Bay History Center

Address:	801 Old Water St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
Phone:	+1 813-228-0097
Site:	tampabayhistorycenter.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 18

Michael Hogue

An excellent museum which covers the history of the area from precolonial times, I found it quite educational and especially enjoyed the Ybor cigar factory history and miniature factory mockups. It took my wife and I about 2 hours to walk through, seeing everything, including the specimen drawers with their artifacts. Lighting is a bit dim in many places, so photo-hounds may wish to make sure they have a camera fit for dim light conditions. There is a theater with a good exhibit / display which will explain much of the history. It was calm and uncrowded; my wife & I were practically the only ones there. Theres lots of Indian artifacts and the museum tells the tale of the Spanish invasion quite well, and without bias. The Ybor / Cigar City founding and evolution is treated in detail, with emphasis on how businesses got things started and helped the employees by building a "mini-Cuba" for them. We were surprised to see some "Augusta Block" brick in the streets here and there (thats my old hometown, and Augusta Block died decades ago). If you want to learn the history of Tampas founding, this is a good place to start and/or walk off those pounds you might have gained in the "Columbia" restaurant downstairs. :D

Teri Guilarte

This History Center is one of the best places for learning the history of the Tampa Bay Area. It is a bright and cheery museum with wonderful staff. They have 3 spectacular movie-like shorts that are some of the best presentations I have ever seen. The exhibits are done so excellently that you feel fully immersed in the period that is being discussed. We only viewed the first floor as we ended up spending much more time viewing the exhibits than we expected. We saved the second floor for another time, but did go to the third floor where the temporary exhibit "The Highwaymen" paintings were being shown, and this was worth a trip all by itself. The wonderful landscape and nature paintings by African Americans of the south in the 1950s and 1960s was so interesting. The Center has a very nice museum store and a pleasant surprise the Columbia Cafe. We had the best lunch there as the food and service was great. This quality of cafe is usually not found in any museum. The History Center is a real jewel for Tampa.

Adam White

Whether youre from Tampa or Taipei, this museum has something to offer everyone. In particular the section on the indigenous Seminole tribe was informative and touching. There are 2 videos in 2 theaters that are easy to walk by, if you see nothing else make sure you see the Cotanchobee video. The rest of the museum is very modern and informative about modern Tampa, its a little pricey but coupons are available everywhere to make it cheaper.

Lisa Jean

Had a great day spending an afternoon there with my daughter. I am an annual member of Clearwater aquarium and one of their perks is free admission here also. They leave out the part of having to pay $5 to park in their free parking area. Quite a few hands on exhibits need some repair. Looks as though visitors may have taken a few things that are supposed to be present for the hands on exhibits.

Chip Weiner

The Tampa Bay History Center is a combination of permanent exhibits featuring historical aspects of early Florida as well as rotating exhibits of art, culture, and bay area artifacts. I t has an in depth look at old Tampa, from its time as mostly swamp land up to modern day. Its a good learning experience for kids and a great place to go and reminisce if you have been in the area for a while.

Jodie Simmons

Had a wonderful experience at the Halloween "Night at the Museum" event. My daughter was mostly interested in the candy hunt, but we were constantly looking over our shoulders for one the scary ghosts from the Ghostbusters! The costumes were great and the museum is well-organized. I would love to come back for an adult day to enjoy the history instead of running from ghosts!

Saria Alderson

One of my favourite museums in the Tampa Bay area! Its got lots of interesting information about our history along with interactive exhibits to keep younger visitors engaged. Theres also an outpost of the famous Columbia restaurant located inside the museum building. As an added bonus, the museum is located right in channelside so theres beautiful views of the Riverwalk.

George Adriaansen

A fine addition to downtown Tampa and Channelside. Reminds me of many things otherwise forgotten from my childhood. The Columbia Cafe has been busy when weve been there. The overflow patio was full the last time. You need only walk a dozen blocks to see cigar factories laid out as the model on display shows. Both the good and the bad of our SMSA are on display here.

Kevin Carlson

A great way for new residents, or old timers, to get to know the Tampa Bay story. Lots of interactive resources, including multi-media movies help bring history to life. Good gift shop, and an outpost of Ybor Citys famed Columbia Restaurant add to the experience. Native Americans, cigars, sports, architecture, orange groves, Flora and fauna ... its all here!

James Halsey RRT, RPSGT

This was an excellent museum. The staff were excellent and informative. they cover several important areas of the Tampa area, including cigars, the local Native Amereician opulation,and how they were treated by the US Govt, and lost of memorabielia of sports teams of the Tampa area. Its fun and even young children will find stuff to enjoy.

Andrew Stevenson

It was nice to learn the history of the city I live in. There are multiple floors with different parts of history. While I was there, there were renovations going on and I am looking forward to seeing whats being added. Overall the place was up kept and clean, and if you have any interest in history, Im sure youd enjoy it here.

Adam Caroline Willis Quinn

Always has interesting exhibits and a good amount to see. There is a cool exhibit right now about the link between Florida and Cuba. Price is good. Takes a few hours so plan a half day or so. Colombia cafe is also on site and has awesome Cuban food and drinks. Recommend going on a nice evening and sitting outside.

Ric Rini

Very nice museum including location, layout and architecture. This is a really nice museum to enjoy the history of Tampa. You can probably cove the entire museum at a normal pace and be done in about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. It has some interpretive interactive exhibits that are really cool for the kids to enjoy.

Jonathan Tennis

First and second floors are the same year round but provide a great look at the history of the region. Third floor is for special exhibits. Loved this place. Can spend an hour or all day - all depends on how much you want to learn / experience.

A Private User

Went down to the Tampa Bay History Center for my research and I was so awed. I didnt expect to see such a wealth of history there. I hope it will continue to be preserved to function at its best because it is a valuable historical treasure!

Edgar Medina

Cercano al tampa convention center y del amelie arena, sus alrededores son perfectos para caminar

Mark Nicholson

Very interesting historical tour. The tour guide was outstanding. Has a hands-on on section near the end to entertain your little ones. The cafe just outside the museum was a very enjoyable bonus.

Haywood M. Smith Jr.

I have lived here for over 74 years and still learned new things about the Tampa area. This is a awesome Museum and my thanks to the families that have collected and donated items to the museum.