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Henry B. Plant Museum: A Glimpse into the Gilded Age

Step back into the Gilded Age at the Henry B. Plant Museum, a Victorian palace showcasing Tampa's opulent history and architectural splendor.

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Housed in the south wing of Plant Hall, formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel, the Henry B. Plant Museum offers a captivating journey into the Gilded Age. Visitors can explore the opulent furnishings and artifacts of this 1891 railroad resort, built by Henry B. Plant, and learn about the early days of Florida's tourism industry and Tampa's development.

A brief summary to Henry B. Plant Museum

Local tips

  • Explore Plant Park, located across from the museum's main entrance, for beautiful views of downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough River.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available in the Thomas Parking Garage, a short walk through the University of Tampa campus.
  • Download the complimentary audio tour to your personal device for a deeper understanding of the museum's exhibits.
  • Check out the museum's events calendar for special programs, including the annual Victorian Christmas Stroll.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Tampa, the Henry B. Plant Museum is accessible by walking. Head west on Kennedy Boulevard. The museum is located on the University of Tampa campus, on the left side of Kennedy Boulevard. Look for the minarets of Plant Hall, the museum's home. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes from the heart of downtown. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines service the Henry B. Plant Museum. Check the local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. The closest bus stop is near the University of Tampa. From the bus stop, walk towards Plant Hall and the museum entrance. A single bus fare costs approximately $2.00.

  • Driving

    If driving, approach the Henry B. Plant Museum via Kennedy Boulevard. Parking is available in front of the museum, and if those spots are full, the Thomas Parking Garage at 820 W. North A Street is a 5-minute walk away. To reach the Thomas Garage, enter the campus from the North Boulevard and A Street intersection. Parking fees in nearby garages range from $8 to $20. Free parking is available at the Thomas Parking Garage.

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Discover more about Henry B. Plant Museum

The Henry B. Plant Museum, nestled within the University of Tampa's Plant Hall, invites you to step back in time to the Gilded Age. This National Historic Landmark was originally the Tampa Bay Hotel, a lavish 511-room resort constructed in 1891 by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant. Plant, known as the "King of Florida," aimed to create a palace that would attract visitors to his expanding rail and steamship empire. Today, the museum showcases the opulent lifestyle of the hotel's guests and the history of Tampa during the late 19th century. Explore the restored rooms filled with original furnishings and artifacts collected by the Plants from Europe and the Orient. Exhibits delve into the hotel's role during the Spanish-American War, when it served as a base of operations for the U.S. military, thrusting Tampa onto the world stage. Visitors can wander through the grand lobby, admire the Moorish Revival architecture, and discover a "bewildering assortment of rococo bronzes, furniture, clocks, tapestries, paintings, and vases". Don't miss the memorial fountain at the park entrance, commissioned by Margaret Plant after her husband's death, symbolizing Plant's transportation empire. The museum offers a self-guided audio tour in English and Spanish, providing insights into the history of the Tampa Bay Hotel and the Gilded Age lifestyle.

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