Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa

4.5

History Museum · Hidden Gem · Museum

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The Henry B. Plant Museum (Plant Museum) is located in the south wing of Plant Hall on the University of Tampa's campus, located at 401 West Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa, Florida. Plant Hall was originally built by Henry B. Plant as the Tampa Bay Hotel; a 511-room resort-style hotel that opened on February 5, 1891 near the terminus of the Plant System rail line, also forged and owned by Plant. The Plant Museum's exhibits focus on historical Gilded Age tourism in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, the elite lifestyle of the hotel's guests, and the Tampa Bay Hotel's use during the Spanish–American War. As such, the Plant Museum is set up in the Historic House Museum style. Exhibits display artifacts in a manner that reflects the original placement and usage within the related historic building.

The Tampa Bay Hotel was designed by architect J.A. Wood, who also designed the Old Hillsborough County Courthouse in 1892 in Tampa, Florida, as well as the Oglethorpe Hotel and the Mahoney-McGarvey House in Brunswick, Georgia.

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Henry B. Plant Museum reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

824 reviews

Google

4.6

By sarahmE5275TY

As a Tampa native, I’ve visited several of our world-class museum, but this tiny, luxurious gem takes the cake! I highly recommend you take advantage of the included audio tour.

As a Tampa native, I’ve visited several of our world-class museum, but this tiny, luxurious gem takes the cake! I highly recommend you take advantage of the included audio tour. more »
By sergio11111111111111

This was a very interesting museum. You see what the hotel rooms looked like and there are many artifacts from the period. The downloaded audio tour was very informative. It's a good look at the...

This was a very interesting museum. You see what the hotel rooms looked like and there are many artifacts from the period. The downloaded audio tour was very informative. It's a good look at the... more »
By LoveUFLoveFLA

I cannot say enough about how beautiful this location is!! Please be sure to stop by and scan your phone to complete the tour. You will learn so much about the location, the beautiful former hotel...

I cannot say enough about how beautiful this location is!! Please be sure to stop by and scan your phone to complete the tour. You will learn so much about the location, the beautiful former hotel... more »

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Google

By Marcia Mangold

It was very interesting learning about the history of Tampa and the hotel. I loved that I could hear the history on my phone when I wanted. In addition, on Sunday there was a delightful actress that gave some history on life at the hotel. The grounds outside were beautiful and the gift shop was nice. Bring your camera to capture the unique architecture and artifacts.

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By Harry C

Love the museum and staff a lot! This place is such a treasure to visit😃 so many good histories here. You got to see a lot of beautiful antiques plus old photos! The museum is really well maintained! The admission is so cheap compared to the things you can see!!! Highly recommend!

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By Victoria Vermillion

This time, I visited for the Victorian Christmas Stroll. What a treat! Feels like stepping back in time, walking through the halls, and seeing the antique Christmas decorations. I adore the reading and writing room, its spine chilling because it is still exactly the same as it was when Henry B. Plant was still around! (plus some extra decorations for Christmas!). A delightful historical experience that is a must-see in Tampa!

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By Macey I.

Really cool museum with interesting exhibits about the history of Tampa and art pieces from all over the world. Audio tour was engaging and informative. Parking is free - there’s a few spots right across the museum indicated by some signage. Definitely recommend for anyone interested in art or history.

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By Justo Alma

The building architecture is absolutely amazing. Just for that alone it worth the trip. The museum, well that’s another thing. Don’t waste $11 dollars. It’s not worth it. Best watch a YouTube video and you would have done far better. Nothing to see really inside.

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