Best Museums & Art Galleries in Tampa, United States
1. Tampa Museum of Art
Modern and contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions, plus an on-site restaurant and outdoor sculpture garden.
- Rotating Exhibits: Offers a variety of artworks to see throughout the year.
- On-site Restaurant: Enjoy a meal or snack while appreciating art.
- Outdoor Sculpture Garden: Experience large-scale sculptures in a beautiful outdoor setting.
2. Glazer Children's Museum
Hands-on exhibits designed for children to learn through play. A unique and educational experience for families with kids.
- Interactive Exhibits: Children can learn while playing in a fun environment.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops and activities that teach various subjects.
- Designed for Kids: Exhibits are age-appropriate and engaging for children.
3. The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
Hands-on exhibits showcasing science, technology, and innovation, including a planetarium and an IMAX Dome Theatre.
- Planetarium: Explore the cosmos with immersive, domed sky shows.
- IMAX Dome Theatre: Experience large-format films in a breathtaking, immersive environment.
- Hands-on Exhibits: Learn about science through interactive and engaging activities.
4. The Florida Holocaust Museum
Educational museum with exhibits on the history of the Holocaust and human rights issues, featuring personal stories and artifacts.
- Holocaust Education: Promotes understanding and remembrance of the Holocaust.
- Personal Stories: Highlights individual accounts to create a more personal connection.
- Artifacts Collection: Preserves and showcases artifacts from the Holocaust era.
5. The Henry B. Plant Museum
Historic hotel turned museum showcasing Tampa's early history and grand architecture.
- Historic Architecture: Experience a taste of Tampa's past in this beautifully preserved building.
- Early Florida History: Learn about the history and development of early Tampa and Florida.
- Guided Tours: Expert guides share stories and insights during guided tours.
6. The Dali Museum
Houses one of the largest collections of Salvador Dalí's works outside of Spain. The museum is known for its unique architecture.
- Large Dalí Collection: Enjoy a comprehensive collection of surrealist art by Salvador Dalí.
- Architecture: Experience the museum's futuristic, glass-enclosed design.
- Guided Tours: Learn about Dalí's life and art with expert guides during guided tours.
7. The Tampa Bay History Center
Explores the history of the Tampa Bay region through exhibits, interactive displays, and artifacts.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engaging activities for visitors to learn about local history.
- Artifact Collection: Preserves and showcases artifacts from the Tampa Bay region's past.
- Local History: Learn about the rich history of the Tampa Bay area.
8. The Museum of Fine Arts (MAF) at USF
University-affiliated museum showcasing a diverse collection of European and American art, as well as changing exhibits.
- Diverse Collection: Features works by renowned artists from Europe and America.
- University Affiliation: Offers educational opportunities for students and the community.
- Changing Exhibits: Enjoy rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
9. The American Veterans Center Museum
Military museum dedicated to educating visitors about America's military history and the sacrifices made by its veterans.
- Military History Education: Learn about America's military history through exhibits, artifacts, and oral histories.
- Veteran Stories: Highlights the personal accounts of veterans to create a more meaningful experience.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engaging activities that help visitors connect with America's military history.
10. The Tampa Bay Encounter Maritime Museum
Maritime museum featuring interactive exhibits and replica ships to explore the history of the Tampa Bay region's maritime heritage.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engaging activities for visitors to learn about local maritime history.
- Replica Ships: Explore replicas of historic ships, including the USS Invincible and the Lightship Alexander Marvin.
- Maritime Heritage: Learn about the rich maritime history of the Tampa Bay region.
11. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts
A performing arts center that offers a variety of shows, including Broadway productions, dance performances, and concerts.
- Broadway Shows: Enjoy popular Broadway productions in Tampa.
- Dance Performances: Witness exceptional dance performances by local and international artists.
- Concerts: Attend concerts featuring famous musicians from various genres.
12. The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum
Museum showcasing a diverse collection of automobiles, including classic cars, muscle cars, and racing vehicles.
- Diverse Collection: Features a wide variety of automobiles from different eras and cultures.
- Classic Cars: Admire beautiful classic cars from the past.
- Guided Tours: Expert guides share insights about each vehicle during guided tours.
13. The Florida Aquarium
A large aquarium that houses a variety of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and manatees. Offers interactive exhibits and educational programs.
- Marine Life Exhibits: Enjoy watching a variety of marine animals up close.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engaging activities for visitors to learn about marine life and conservation efforts.
- Educational Programs: Learn about marine conservation and the animals at the aquarium with educational programs.
14. The Tampa Bay History Center's SS American Victory
A World War II cargo ship turned museum showcasing the history of maritime warfare and merchant shipping.
- World War II Cargo Ship: Explore a well-preserved World War II cargo vessel.
- Maritime History Education: Learn about the history of maritime warfare and merchant shipping.
- Guided Tours: Expert guides share stories and insights during guided tours.
15. The Tampa Bay Lightning Hall of Fame Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team. Features memorabilia, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.
- Hockey Team History: Learn about the history of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
- Memorabilia and Artifacts: Admire collections of memorabilia, jerseys, and other artifacts related to the team.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engaging activities for visitors to learn about the sport of hockey and the Lightning team.