Since 1933, the Tampa Bay Hotel has been home to the Henry B. Plant Museum and The University of Tampa. The building, renamed Plant Hall, was declared a National Historic Landmark in recognition of its role as a military headquarters during the Spanish-American War. The Henry B. Plant Museum holds the distinction of accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.
The museum’s mission is to interpret the Tampa Bay Hotel and the experiences of the diverse individuals who contributed to its success. The museum awakens thought and transports visitors to another era through exhibits and innovative programs. Original furnishings and artifacts and a dynamic self-guided audio tour immerse visitors in the opulence of a Gilded Age seasonal resort hotel.
“There is a wide range of Gilded Age artworks on view, spanning paintings, sculpture and furniture,” said the museum’s membership and museum relations manager, Jill D’Anna. “Many of the works reflect the craftsmanship, materials and artistic trends of the period, offering visitors a glimpse into the art that defined the era.”
Opened by railroad and shipping magnate Henry B. Plant, the Tampa Bay Hotel faced an uncertain future following his death in 1899. The City of Tampa purchased the property in 1905, and it continued to operate as a hotel until 1932.
The following year, the city established the Tampa Municipal Museum in the south wing of the first floor to preserve the legacy of the Tampa Bay Hotel. The remainder of the building, as well as the property, became home to The University of Tampa.
The museum houses original hotel furnishings and art objects from Europe and Asia collected by Henry and Margaret Plant. In 1974, the Tampa Municipal Museum became the Henry B. Plant Museum, commemorating Henry Plant’s contribution to the development of the Cigar City and the creation of Florida’s tourist economy.
“The museum now offers guided art tours every Saturday at 11 a.m. and are completely free with paid museum admission,” D’Anna said. “During the tour, guests can expect to see a diverse selection of works from our collection, including traditional paintings and sculpture, as well as furniture and decorative objects. The tour offers a closer look at these pieces and the stories behind their creation, care and preservation.”
D’Anna hopes the tours help spread awareness about the importance of conservation and restoration while also showcasing the diversity of objects within the museum’s collection.
For more about Henry B. Plant Museum, visit the museum’s website at www.plantmuseum.com or call 813-254-1891. The museum is located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa.
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