Tampa Bay History Center

4.8

(6)

Travel & Recreation $ | Open

801 Water St
Tampa, FL 33602 Water Street Rate and review

☆☆☆☆☆

Hours | Open

Mon10:00 am - 05:00 pm

Tue10:00 am - 05:00 pm

Wed10:00 am - 05:00 pm

Thu10:00 am - 05:00 pm

Fri10:00 am - 05:00 pm

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Description

One of Tampa’s premier cultural venues, the Tampa Bay History Center has three floors of exhibit galleries covering 12,000 years of Florida’s history.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and a Smithsonian Affiliate, the waterfront museum on 801 Water Street includes a 60-foot 1700s-era replica sailing ship and the only cartographic center in the southeastern United States.

Dine in the Columbia Cafe, a branch of the world-famous Columbia Restaurant featuring Spanish and Cuban-inspired dishes that made the 116-year-old restaurant famous.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets are available online or at the History Center’s Visitor Services desk. Visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org to purchase tickets online.

Give yourself plenty of time to visit. Generally, you should plan to spend a minimum of 2 to 3 hours viewing the exhibits; however, you can easily spend the day visiting the galleries, shopping in the Museum Store, and having a delicious meal at the Columbia Cafe.

Please do not bring any food or drinks into the galleries. Water fountains are available on the second, third and fourth floors near the restrooms. The Columbia Cafe is open every day for lunch and dinner from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Enjoy favorites from the restaurant’s flagship location in Ybor City, like Cuban sandwiches, chicken and yellow rice and the 1905 Salad. Indoor and outdoor waterfront seating is available.

The Tampa Bay History Center follows the guidance provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Only trained service animals that perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability are allowed into all public areas and galleries of the History Center.

Large bags/backpacks (those that exceed 11×15) are not permitted in the galleries. Lockers are available free of charge for storing these items. Keys can be requested at Visitor Services. If you have a personal situation requiring you to carry a bag, please speak to a visitor services associate.

The temperature in the galleries is maintained at a cool 72 degrees. Consider bringing a sweater in case you get chilly.

The History Center is situated at the beginning of the Tampa Riverwalk next to Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. The park includes a sand play area and splash park for children, picnic tables, a dock (with 8 tie-ups) and lots of green space. Consider bringing comfortable shoes and walking the Riverwalk after visiting the museum.

You are welcome to bring your camera; however, flash photography and videography are prohibited. Non-flash photography is permitted for personal use only. Commercial photography, including filming of any kind, must be coordinated and approved before your visit. Contact the marketing department for more information. If you are a member of the press and need photos of the History Center for publication purposes, please visit our press page.

Lost and found is located at the Visitor Services desk on the second floor. You can also call Visitor Services at (813) 228-0097, option 0.

Visit our group tours or field trips pages for their corresponding signup forms.

Get to know Tampa Bay History Center

The History Center's permanent galleries take you on a fascinating voyage through centuries of recorded history, showcasing the diverse aspects of the region's past. You'll explore the impact of Spanish exploration, gain insights into Seminole life, witness the waves of immigration and the thriving cigar industry, and immerse yourself in the stories of pioneer and rural Florida.

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Scott Conlon

July 19, 2017

Scott

It had been years before I finally went to the Tampa Bay History Center even though it was something I wanted to check out since it had opened. I must say that I was very impressed with the experience. Great exhibits, wonderful staff and great location.

Pros: Great for families because they have some exhibits that are entertaining for children too.

Cons: Multiple levels to get around but most museums are like this anyway. At least they have very large elevators!

Jillian Conway

December 02, 2019

Jillian

The Tampa Bay History Museum is a unique place to go, especially if you're a Tampa Native! I loved their exhibits and learned a lot about the city I call home!