Tampa features numerous world-class museums that cover a wide range of topics. Visitors and residents alike take advantage of the multitude of art, history, and cultural exhibitions offered in Tampa. Many of the most popular choices are conveniently located in Tampa’s downtown arts district, and some are even connected through the Riverwalk, making it easy to museum hop.
With so much to do already in Tampa, it’s no surprise there’s plenty to see and learn as well. We’ve compiled the top eight museums in Tampa as an easy guide to learn it all.
Tampa Museum of Art
Located in the heart of downtown, the Tampa Museum of Art features creative public projects with a wide range of art, from ancient to modern and contemporary pieces. The museum also houses one of the largest Greek and Roman antiquities collections in the Southeastern U.S. Additionally, the Tampa Museum of Art frequently rotates exhibits throughout the year to experience something unique each time they visit.
Not only does the museum serve as a significant cultural institution for the city of Tampa, but it’s also one of the city’s iconic landmarks. It’s recognizable for its 14,000 square-foot LED display of Leo Villareal’s Sky (Tampa) on the south side and the 23-foot tall cast iron sculpture Laura with Bun by Jaume Plensa on the other side. Open seven days a week, this riverfront museum is a must-see for anyone in the area.
Location
120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Tickets
â—¾ Art+ Members: Free
â—¾ Adults: $15
â—¾ Seniors 65+: $7.50
â—¾ Military: $7.50
â—¾ Florida Educators: $7.50
â—¾ Professional Artist: $7.50
â—¾ Students: $5
â—¾ Children 6 & Under: Free
â—¾ College Students with ID: Free
Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
The Museum of Science and Industry, or MOSI for short, is the perfect spot for kids and families alike. Jam-packed with hands-on experiences and exhibits, MOSI can best be described as a scientific playground. Exhibits range from topics like the Saunders Planetarium, which allows you to star-gaze in the middle of the day; the NASA-funded Mission: Moonbase lunar colony that launches you into space without leaving Earth; and futuristic exhibits like Connectus that turn you into a time-traveler.
Visitors of all ages can ask questions and expand their curiosity as exhibits seek to spark conversations about the world and our future. You might just end up feeling like you’re on a school field trip again at MOSI!
Location
4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617
Tickets
â—¾ Adults (13-59): $12.95
â—¾ Seniors (60+): $10.95
â—¾ Children (3-12): $7.95
â—¾ Children (2 and under): Free
Tampa Bay History Center
This waterfront museum boasts an impressive 60,000 square feet to cover over 12,000 years of Tampa Bay history. The Tampa Bay History Center remembers the region’s past through interactive exhibits to help visitors learn about the first native inhabitants, historical figures, and local items like the Cuban cigar.
Other exhibits may feature Seminole artifacts, Spanish conquistadors, and an array of over 1,000 Tampa cigar industry-related items. A state-of-the-art museum, The Tampa Bay History Center showcases the region’s diverse and fascinating history in a way that’s meaningful and enjoyable for all members of your family.
Location
801 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Tickets
â—¾ Adults – $12.95
â—¾ Seniors (60+) – $12.95
â—¾ Youth (7-17) – $10.95
â—¾ Military, First Responders, Students (with ID) – $12.95
â—¾ Children (6 & under) – Free
â—¾ Members – Free
Henry B. Plant Museum
As a National Historic Landmark, the Henry B. Plant Museum, located in the building formerly known as the Tampa Bay Hotel, transports visitors to another era through exhibits and interactive programming. The museum interprets the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, preserving original furniture and objects and educating visitors about the diverse individuals who contributed to the hotel’s success and the start of Florida’s tourist industry.
The restored hotel-turned-museum draws visitors in to learn more about Tampa and its rich history and culture. The beautiful architecture, glamorous furnishings, and European art pieces featured in the museum are only the beginning of everything the Henry B. Plant Museum has to offer.
Location
401 W. Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, FL 33606
Tickets
â—¾ Adults: $10
â—¾ Seniors: $7
â—¾ Students: $7
â—¾ Children (4-12): $5
Florida Museum for Photographic Arts
The Florida Museum for Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is one of the few museums in the U.S. dedicated only to photography. Located downtown in a six-story atrium building called the Cube, this highlight of the Tampa art scene features historical and contemporary works of photography by national and international artists. The museum seeks to showcase photographic art as central to our culture. Visitors can attend gallery talks, happy hours, and outreach programs for art education, and if you are interested in growing in your photography skills, their calendar of events includes a wide variety of classes for all levels.
Location
400 N. Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, FL 33602
Tickets
â—¾ Museum Members: Free
â—¾ Adults: $10
â—¾ Students/Military/Senior: $8
Glazer Children’s Museum
Another family-friendly museum experience can be found in the Glazer Children’s Museum, located along Tampa’s Riverwalk and the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park downtown. Unlike a typical quiet museum experience, the Children’s Museum is loud and exciting, full of hands-on exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. Featuring a kid-size grocery store, airplane, cruise ship, and so much more, the Children’s Museum allows all visitors to get in on the play-pretend fun! The museum also extends its hours during summer break, meaning more time for playtime with the whole family.
Location
110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Tickets
â—¾ Under Age 1: Free
â—¾ Children (1-12): $13
â—¾ Adults: $15
â—¾ Members: Free
â—¾ Active Military, First Responders, Educators, and Seniors: $12.50
SS American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship
One of Tampa’s hidden gems, the SS American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship is dedicated to the men and women of the American Merchant Fleet from World War II. The Ship is one of only four fully functioning WWII ships still around today. Visitors can explore nearly all areas of the ship, including the weaponry, gallery and mess halls, crew and Captain’s quarters, and the bridge. Through interactive exhibits and various photos, uniforms, medals, and artifacts, the Ship seeks to transport museum-goers to allow them to experience the living conditions of crewmembers. Climb to the deck for a fantastic view of the Bay, and email or call before your visit to receive a free tour of the Ship!
Location
705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Tickets
â—¾ Members: Free
â—¾ Adults: $10
â—¾ Seniors (65+): $8
â—¾ Veterans: $5
â—¾ Children (4-12): $5
â—¾ Children (3 and under): Free
The Dali Museum
The Dali Museum boasts one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of work by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali. Housing the most extensive collection of Dali’s art outside of Europe, the museum’s building, nicknamed The Enigma, matches its reputation by also being one of the most architecturally stunning buildings in Tampa Bay. The museum has been called the unofficial heart of the fine arts in the Tampa area. Since opening its doors in 1982, it’s provided visitors with the unique opportunity to view Dali’s legacy of innovation, creativity, and transformation.
Location
One Dali Blvd. St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Tickets
â—¾ Adults (18-64): $25
â—¾ Discounted Adult (Senior 65+, Educator, Fire, Police, Military): $23
â—¾ Discounted Student (13-17, College 18+): $18
â—¾ Youth (6-12): $10
â—¾ Children (5 and under): Free
With so much to learn, see, and do, the Tampa Bay area is sure to have something for everyone. If you are interested in exploring Tampa real estate to take advantage of all the area has to offer, contact Brenda Wade today. As one of the leading real estate agents in Tampa, Florida, Brenda serves a wide range of neighborhoods. From ​Riverview real estate to ​Apollo Beach homes​, Wade Realty can help find a property that’s perfect for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of art does the Tampa Museum of Art feature?
The Tampa Museum of Art features a wide range of art, from ancient to modern and contemporary, including one of the largest Greek and Roman antiquities collections in the Southeastern U.S.
What are the ticket prices for adults, seniors, and children at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)?
At the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), ticket prices are $12.95 for adults (13-59), $10.95 for seniors (60+), $7.95 for children (3-12), and free for children (2 and under).
Can you provide information about the exhibits at the Tampa Bay History Center?
The Tampa Bay History Center features interactive exhibits covering over 12,000 years of Tampa Bay history, including those about the first native inhabitants, historical figures, local items like the Cuban cigar, Seminole artifacts, Spanish conquistadors, and an array of over 1,000 Tampa cigar industry-related items.
Is the Florida Museum for Photographic Arts dedicated only to photography, and what types of programs does it offer?
Yes, the Florida Museum for Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is one of the few museums in the U.S. dedicated only to photography. It offers gallery talks, happy hours, outreach programs for art education, and various classes for all levels of photography.
Can visitors explore all SS American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship areas?
Visitors can explore nearly all SS American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship areas, including weaponry, gallery, mess halls, crew and Captain’s quarters, and the bridge.
