Henry B. Plant Museum
Henry B. Plant Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
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, is a National Historic Landmark. The Henry B. Plant Museum holds the distinction of accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. Its mission is to interpret the Tampa Bay Hotel and the experiences of the diverse individuals who contributed to its success. The Museum ignites thought and transports visitors to another era through exhibits and innovative programs, so that they may be educated and inspired by the lifestyles, times and experiences of Florida’s early tourist industry. Original furnishings and artifacts and a dynamic self-guided audio tour immerse visitors in the opulence of the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel and its rich history.
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See what travelers are saying
- Karen CWinter Haven, Florida219 contributionsLavish Lifestyles of the Rich and FamousWhat a wonderful hidden gem on the University of Tampa campus! It was fascinating to learn about Henry B. Plant and the beautiful resort he created as the Tampa Bay Hotel. Take a stroll back to the late 19th century and be immersed in the luxury of this remarkable palace and its surroundings. I loved the ambiance of the Writing and Reading Room the best. You can use your phone to download a self guided tour or just wander from room to room and feast your eyes on the lavish furnishings. We had to pay for parking on the street and didn’t see the sign in front of the museum, which said to park for free at the Thomas Parking Garage if needed. All in all, it was a wonderful museum and a Tampa treasure!Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 28, 2023
- serraturtle86 contributionsHidden local favoriteWe had a wonderful time visiting the museum. I was so happy to find this local favorite. I’ve been to Tampa many times and this was never on my radar until I found it listed on Trip Advisor. The architecture of the building is stunning! I enjoyed the free audio tour that really brought each room to life. What an amazing piece of history…everyone should visit while in Tampa.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 3, 2023
- Jonathan WSingapore, Singapore142 contributionsHistorical must-visit in TampaThis is a wonderful insight into a frenetic time in Floridian history: The opening up of the state and the excitement of opportunity. The museum recreates a sense of the old hotel, with European artefacts haphazardly scattered about the cloisters and rooms. The building itself is a creative mix of architectural styles and the museum gives an insightful appraisal of the design and history of the iconic building.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 7, 2024
- SkicrazyBoston, Massachusetts10 contributionsNice place to visit for a 1 to 2 hour stopThis is a lovely place to visit with easy parking. They do not have an actual guide but you can scan a QR code and download/listen on your phone. The antiques are very nice, a few rooms seemed as though the items had been thrown into them. the building also functions as an academic building and I was really amazed that the gorgeous staircases and carpet are in such great shqpe!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 3, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
833 reviews
Excellent
480
Very good
270
Average
68
Poor
12
Terrible
3
Marc S
15 contributions
Jan 2020
It appears the University of Tampa hopes for some pedigree by labeling the remnants of a failed resort/hotel a museum. This is not a museum - it is a short history of a transit company, and a "yard sale" of loosely consolidated furnishings spread throughout old hotel rooms. UT should not charge the public to enter an area that at best might appeal to a few parents who are accompanying their children on an Admissions Department tour for prospective freshman.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Concierge_8
Trinidad and Tobago3,560 contributions
Dec 2019
I had phoned the museum placing an international call before our trip to find out about their Post-Christmas opening hours as their website only had a note about their Victorian Christmas Stroll Dec 1-23, but nothing about the rest of December.
When I called, I was told that yes they’d be open on Sunday 29th December per regular Sunday opening hours of 12noon to 5pm.
We took a water taxi to the stop, then walked across the bridge and thru the gardens only to find the museum doors shut!
Very frustrating as we wasted time and money getting here and the trek in the midday sun for nothing. we were annoyed as we were really looking forward to visiting on our last day in Tampa.
I want to believe it was an unexpected closure as I can’t believe the museum would close when Tampa was so busy for the holidays and a lot of people out and about after Christmas day.
There were a dozen other visitors also on the porch and peering into the windows to see if anyone was there or maybe opening later than usual. But alas no.
We noticed a piece of board placed over a small sign at the entrance noting the closure, but in this age of technology, they need to post ALL their opening and closure days on their website and social media.
I don’t leave a review when I haven’t been to a place, but having gone when I was told it would be open and being shut out is reason enough I feel to voice my disappointment.
When I called, I was told that yes they’d be open on Sunday 29th December per regular Sunday opening hours of 12noon to 5pm.
We took a water taxi to the stop, then walked across the bridge and thru the gardens only to find the museum doors shut!
Very frustrating as we wasted time and money getting here and the trek in the midday sun for nothing. we were annoyed as we were really looking forward to visiting on our last day in Tampa.
I want to believe it was an unexpected closure as I can’t believe the museum would close when Tampa was so busy for the holidays and a lot of people out and about after Christmas day.
There were a dozen other visitors also on the porch and peering into the windows to see if anyone was there or maybe opening later than usual. But alas no.
We noticed a piece of board placed over a small sign at the entrance noting the closure, but in this age of technology, they need to post ALL their opening and closure days on their website and social media.
I don’t leave a review when I haven’t been to a place, but having gone when I was told it would be open and being shut out is reason enough I feel to voice my disappointment.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa J
Tampa, FL109 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Nice museum that talks about the rich history of Plant Hall on the campus of the University of Tampa. It was much bigger than expected and was very educational. I would recommend going if you live in Tampa or are a tourist wanting to know some fun details about how Plant influenced the city!
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anshita_S
Boston, MA1,754 contributions
Aug 2022
Decided to visit the Museum during our visit to Tampa a few weeks back.
We visited on a weekday, so it wasn’t crowded at all, not sure how it would be on weekends.
It has entrance fee of $12 but they do offer discounts for students and children.
The museum itself is incredibly small, only the 1st floor is open to visitors and the rest of the hotel blocked off.
They have an audio tour which is great if you have a little more time and you want to dig deep in history. If not, they have a 14-minute film that introduces Henry Plant and his vision for the development of Tampa and the magnificent Tampa Bay Hotel.
The admission price is not entirely justified. For one it is a pretty small museum. And they can do better at staging the rooms.
The hallway is well decorated and so are some of the rooms, but the rest of the rooms were just stuffed with cultural artifacts rom that era or similar to that era. Felt more like a storage or attic room.
3.5 stars visit. It is worth your time if you have never been, but could use improvement as well.
We visited on a weekday, so it wasn’t crowded at all, not sure how it would be on weekends.
It has entrance fee of $12 but they do offer discounts for students and children.
The museum itself is incredibly small, only the 1st floor is open to visitors and the rest of the hotel blocked off.
They have an audio tour which is great if you have a little more time and you want to dig deep in history. If not, they have a 14-minute film that introduces Henry Plant and his vision for the development of Tampa and the magnificent Tampa Bay Hotel.
The admission price is not entirely justified. For one it is a pretty small museum. And they can do better at staging the rooms.
The hallway is well decorated and so are some of the rooms, but the rest of the rooms were just stuffed with cultural artifacts rom that era or similar to that era. Felt more like a storage or attic room.
3.5 stars visit. It is worth your time if you have never been, but could use improvement as well.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
radx4
Ellicott City, MD2,197 contributions
Mar 2021
We had no idea what to expect on a recent visit to the Henry B. Plant Museum. I had never even heard of Henry B. Plant. However, we quickly learned that he was an industrialist who owned and operated a series of railroads and hotels in throughout south. The hotel in Tampa was the crown jewel of the properties and played a big role in the growth of Tampa as a city and tourism destination.
The museum occupies part of the lower level of the building, which is now used house a variety of functions for the University of Tampa. There are many rooms to visit, and the hotel has been nicely restored. We quickly discovered a rich and interesting history.
There is an audio tour available for free, which you can access using a smartphone by scanning QR codes in each of the rooms. I thought the audio tour was actually very nice and explained each of the displays nicely. It made the tour more enjoyable than just reading placards.
Parking at the Museum is a little bit limited and the lot was full when we stopped by.
Note that there is typically a staff member outside to direct visitor to available parking. We ended up parking at the university parking garage which is about a half-mile away. There was no cost to park, which is nice.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Henry B. Plant museum to anyone who's interested in the history of Tampa or Florida in general.
The museum occupies part of the lower level of the building, which is now used house a variety of functions for the University of Tampa. There are many rooms to visit, and the hotel has been nicely restored. We quickly discovered a rich and interesting history.
There is an audio tour available for free, which you can access using a smartphone by scanning QR codes in each of the rooms. I thought the audio tour was actually very nice and explained each of the displays nicely. It made the tour more enjoyable than just reading placards.
Parking at the Museum is a little bit limited and the lot was full when we stopped by.
Note that there is typically a staff member outside to direct visitor to available parking. We ended up parking at the university parking garage which is about a half-mile away. There was no cost to park, which is nice.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Henry B. Plant museum to anyone who's interested in the history of Tampa or Florida in general.
Written April 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rtpana
Cary , NC529 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
This perfectly preserved museum inside the University of Tampa’s admin building provided a focused tale of the American Gilded Age. The commentaries, video and furnishings successfully transport you to Tampa’s heyday as an exotic tourist Mecca for the rich and famous. I am glad that a small part of Henry Plant’s visión and life is still available to enjoy today.
Written June 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LouieB3
Port Charlotte, FL135 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Rich in history surrounded by the beautiful University of Tampa landscaping. From the grand porches to the exquisite architecture this stop was a gem. Gorgeous tapestries were displayed throughout amid many sculptures, antiques, treasures and memorabilia. The video of the history of the building and many famous guests is worth the time. I am looking forward to sharing the experience with our winter visitors. We had an added treat of seeing graduates being photographed along the porches and grounds.
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan A
Alpharetta, GA1,152 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Road trip! What a wonderful place to visit. So much Florida and Tampa history in this beautiful old structure. If you enjoy history, this is a must see. Unfortunately, effective yesterday, 8/17/21, they are now requiring masks to be worn inside the facility. No signs to that effect. An absolute disgrace to those of us who are fully vaccinated.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
evtide
Carolina Beach, NC22 contributions
Dec 2019
A Portion of the mansion's rooms were decorated for Christmas. It was so special from the menus that were served when it was a hotel to the children's room with the antique toys from the era. It is a part of the Univerity campus so you were able to see the main foyer with life size bronze statues. My husband and I sat in rocking chairs on the immense porch after the tour. We were offered cookies and cider by the docents. Very nice experience into the past and hearing about Henry Planrt the railroad and steamship tycoon that helped shape our country,
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JuLiA
Dover, FL21 contributions
Dec 2019
Every year I look forward to visiting the Henry B Plant Museum to see how they decorated the historic hotel part. The florists and interior decorators pick a different theme every year. There is also a small gift shop with cute little items and they serve cookies and hot apple cider on the porch when you exit the museum.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a museum of what? Like old Ătems?
Grace B
Buenos Aires, Argentina1,048 contributions
Hi !!
Yes. There are old Ătems, pieces of art and stuff of old times.
dannyboyIndianapolis
Indianapolis, IN112 contributions
Are cameras allowed, non-flash pictures?
Lowell B
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States217 contributions
Yes
NanaFradette
Fort Wayne, IN651 contributions
Admission price?
Lindsay H
Tampa, FL
Admission to the Museum is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $5 for children (4-12) and free for kids under 4.
Where should we park? Is there a designated or recommended parking lot? thanks.
Lisa T
Holiday, FL13 contributions
You can park along the road in front if there is a spot available. Or there are some smaller lots along the east side of the Museum.
Karen C
Tampa, FL
How much times should we allow for our visit to the museum?
Patije
Sarasota, FL88 contributions
We spent most of the day touring and enjoying the grounds, sitting on park benches, watching activity on the bay. Park (free) pay admittance,museum,gift shop,buy snacks & etc. You have a guide through the museum. Then you are given earphones and you are on your own to spend more time in museum or go across the street to see Edison & Ford houses. You can wander around at your leisure. Don't try to rush it. Have a relaxing day of education, fun and leisure. Beautiful grounds around houses. Antique cars, etc
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Claim your listingHenry B. Plant Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Henry B. Plant Museum
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