Tampa, Florida is home to over 20 different museums, with so many options it can be intimidating to plan what museums to visit when you are in town. Gold Leaf Home Buyers has your ultimate list for the most interesting museums to visit on your next trip to Tampa.
1. HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM
Location: 401 W Kennedy Blvd,Tampa,FL 33606
The Henry B. Plant museum is located in a historic building which use to be the location of the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. With its amazing architecture, beautiful victorian decor and tropical garden this museum is a great visit. What makes this museum especially interesting is that it contains actual furnishings enjoyed by the original hotel guests and accurately reflects the opulence of turn of the century America.
2. CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM
Location: 3821 USF Holly Drive, Tampa, FL 33620
Tampa’s Contemporary Art Museum opened in 1989 and is located right on the campus of the University of South Florida just north of downtown. The museum has exhibited many significant pieces of contemporary art from Florida and around the world with a frequently changing pieces of art and exhibits. This is very much a traditional type of art museum but none the less a great visit.
3.TAMPA FIREFIGHTER MUSEUM
Location: 720 E Zack St Tampa, FL 33602
If your up for a more unique museum then we recommend the Tampa Firefighter Museum located in one of Tampa’s original firehouses, built in 1911. The original fire station is very unique in that it was the last built with horse-drawn fire apparatus. With an interactive children’s area and lots of historical fire equipment on display this is a very unique and must see museum when visiting Tampa.
4. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY
Location: 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617
If you love science and enjoy a hands on learning experience then Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry is a must see while you are in town. With more then 400,000 square feet of space this museum holds the title of largest science center in all of the Southeast with over 450 hands-on activities. Explore MOSI’s “Disasterville”, which features Bay News 9 WeatherQuest and more than 10,000 squarefeet of interactive natural disaster experiences.
5. AMERICAN VICTORY SHIP MARINERS MUSEUM
Location: 705 Channelside Dr,Tampa,FL 33602
Want something more exciting then a traditional museum on land ? Well you should checkout this museum which is one of only four operational World War II ships in the US. The American Victory ship is an unforgettable destination that allows you to tour virtually the entire ship while offering education tours, attractions and even semi-annual cruises.
6. THE DALI MUSEUM
Location: Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Last but certainly not least is The Dali Museum,which has one of the largest collection of works by artist Salvador Dali. The museum includes over 2,400 works from every moment and medium of the artists history including many original drawings and books. The museum also has a beautiful interactive garden along with its own authentic spanish cafe where you can take a break and grab some lunch.
While there are still several amazing sights and museums to see while you’re in town these 6 are our favorites and the ones we recommend the most to people in town visiting. If you’re looking for something to do after a day of sightseeing checkout our ultimate guide to Tampa Nightlife