The 10 Best Museums in Tampa, Florida [2024]

When most people think of Tampa, Florida, they see beaches, sunshine, and vibrant culture as some of the first things that come to mind. However, this part of the Sunshine State also has some excellent museums worth visiting. From beloved child-friendly exhibits to state history and even sports, there’s a gallery or exhibit in the Big Guava to suit your interests.

The Best Museums in Tampa

1. American Victory Ship & Museum

First launched in 1945, the SS American Victory Ship was a cargo ship used at the end of World War II. Though it continued to serve as a commercial vessel for 20 years after the war, it was decommissioned and transformed into a museum in 1999.

Today, it’s famous as being one of the few merchant steamships from this era of American history to have survived to the present day. Since becoming a museum, volunteers have spent over 1 million hours refurbishing the vessel to make it visitable by guests.

The entire ship, including the onboard hospital, steering stations, cargo holds, and mess hall, has been restored to its WWII-era state. These exhibits house artifacts, ranging from documents to authentic uniforms used by those who worked aboard the vessel. With advanced notice and collaboration with the staff, it’s also possible to rent the facility for private events.

Admission is free for members and children under 3, $10 for kids 4 through 12, $12 for students, veterans, and seniors, and $15 for adults. American Victory Ship & Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest light rail station is Cumberland Avenue Station.

• Address: 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

2. The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is entirely dedicated to showcasing the work of photographers from around the world. Since the field of photography is constantly changing, with new and emerging creatives constantly making a name for themselves, the space doesn’t have a permanent collection. Instead, the FMoPA rotates its galleries throughout the year. This system allows the space to showcase both historic and current creators.

To help uplift aspiring photographers, the facility also hosts a number of educational events throughout the year, including classes, workshops, and lectures with experts. FMoPA routinely puts out requests for artist submissions, which opens the door for new photographers to break into the industry at one of Florida’s most beloved photo galleries.

Admission is free for members, $10 for students, military personnel, and seniors, and $12 for adults. The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest light rail station is Centro Ybor Station.

• Address: 1630 East 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605

3. Glazer Children’s Museum

Since opening in 1986, the Glazer Children’s Museum has been a well-loved spot for Tampa’s families. This facility helps kids up to 10 years old cultivate their imagination and learn about the world around them. In the past decade, it’s even become one of the most important facilities in the city’s “Cultural Corridor,” which houses some of Tampa’s most beloved libraries, museums, and art venues.

Currently, there are over a dozen play areas on the premises, each designed to tap into a different skill or area of development, from science to cooperation. Some of the most popular exhibits at Glazer are the “Ice Cream Parlour” set, the “Family Play Project,” and the “Art Smart” area.

Glazer also recently opened the “Big John” area, which houses the biggest triceratops fossil in the world. The fossil will be housed here until 2026. Special events like camps and parties are also hosted.

Admission is free for infants under 1, $16 for active military personnel, first responders, educators, and seniors, and $18 for the general public. Glazer Children’s Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is West Cass at Ashley Drive.

• Address: 110 West Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602

4. Henry B. Plant Museum

Located on the University of Tampa’s campus, the Henry B. Plant Museum was once one of the city’s most luxurious resort hotels. In the 1940s, the structure was transformed into a museum to preserve its unique architecture.

To this day, it’s one of the most historically significant sites in Tampa. Its exhibits serve multiple purposes, showcasing galleries dedicated to Henry B. Plant, the building’s founder and local businessman, as well as the hotel’s history and Tampa’s past in the trade industry.

Many of the museum’s furnishings are original to the site and can be traced back to between the 1890s and the early years of the 1930s. Some items in the collection include Japanese porcelain pieces, French woodwork, and German decor. Many of the museum’s staff members and tour guides are similarly dressed in period-accurate costumes to help create an immersive experience for visitors.

Admission is free for children under 4, $7 for kids 4 through 11, $8 for seniors 65+, and $12 for adults. Henry B. Plant Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Kennedy Boulevard at Hyde Park Avenue.

• Address: 401 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606

“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.”

Lindsay Huban, executive director, Henry B. Plant Museum

5. Museum of Science & Industry

Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) has been a premier educational site since 1962. Aiming to create an accessible place for people of all ages to learn about the sciences, from technology to conservation, MOSI uses a mix of traditional and hands-on displays to engage visitors.

Currently, there are 6 permanent exhibits and experiences that delve into a variety of fields. Some of the most popular are the “IDEAZone” learning exhibit, the “SciLinx Mini-Golf” course, and the virtual reality simulators. There’s also a beloved “LIVECycles” butterfly garden and an on-site planetarium.

There are also a number of temporary galleries, exhibits, and/or experiences hosted on-site at any given time. These rotate throughout the year to offer a closer look at different concepts, like butterfly life cycles, the science of superheroes, and more. Educational programs are also held at the MOSI, especially for younger visitors, though adult-geared events are also hosted.

Admission is $10 for kids and $14 for adults. Mosi is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Fowler Avenue at 50th Street.

• Address: 4801 East Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33617

6. Tampa Baseball Museum

Located in Tampa’s historic Ybor City neighborhood, the Baseball Museum honors Al López, the first person from this part of Florida to play Major League baseball. In fact, the museum is housed in his childhood home, which was moved for preservation purposes. Since 2021, the Tampa Baseball Museum has not only served as a biographical exhibit dedicated to López but also as one that celebrates the Major Leagues in general. 

The facility holds over 100 years of memorabilia, from photos to baseball equipment used in historic games. Tampa’s very first baseball team is also honored by the space, which was created in 1878 when the city had less than 1,000 residents.

This is one of the newest museums to open in Tampa, so its event calendar is still relatively empty, but the events hosted are swiftly becoming community favorites. These include legacy brunches for families and Ybor cultural celebrations.

Admission is free for children under 6, $6 for kids 6 through 18, $10 for seniors +, military personnel, first responders, educators, and students, and $12 for adults. Tampa Baseball Museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest light rail station is Ybor City – Centennial Park.

• Address: 2003 North 19th St., Tampa, FL 33605

7. Tampa Bay History Center

Often considered to be the city’s most important museum, the Tampa Bay History Center preserves the history of the Tampa Bay Area from its ancient history to the present day. Since opening in 2009, the facility has collected artifacts covering over 12,000 years of Florida’s development. The items displayed are divided into 4 main wings, each signifying different eras:

• The “Touchton Map Library” houses maps, documents, books, photos, and more that focus on Florida’s recorded history as a whole, but specifically Tampa’s trade industry.
• “Cuban Pathways” looks at the role Tampa’s Cuban community has played in the city’s growth and evolution over the years.
• “Treasure Seekers” delves deeper into Tampa’s maritime history, including authentic artifacts from merchants, sailors, and even pirates.
• “Chinsegut Hill Historic Site” is a collaborative effort with the city of Brooksville that examines Florida’s pre-Civil War history.

Traveling and temporary exhibits are also a regular part of the museum’s galleries.

Admission is free for kids under 7, $12.95 for kids 7 through 17, $14.95 for college students and seniors 60+, and $16.95 for adults. Tampa Bay History Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest light rail station is Amalie Arena Station.

• Address: 801 Water St., Tampa, FL 33602

8. Tampa Firefighters Museum

Housed in the city’s decommissioned Fire Station No. 1, the Tampa Firefighters Museum honors the history and evolution of the local fire department and fire safety. Today, the facility’s 2 missions are education and preservation. Through its exhibits, which feature artifacts from throughout the history of the Tampa Bay Fire Department, the site is able to honor the history of previous firefighters and showcase how the field has changed.

Using these historical exhibits and their comparison to today’s equipment, which are also displayed on-site, the museum is also able to provide vital information about fire safety in the modern world. This museum is a pillar for the community and hosts various events throughout the year, including an annual dodgeball game for adults.

Admission is free, but donations are always welcome. Tampa’s Firefighters Museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Twiggs at Pierce East.

• Address: 720 East Zack St., Tampa, FL 33602

9. Tampa Museum of Art

Located in the downtown district, the Tampa Museum of Art is the city’s most prestigious art center. Since its opening in 1979, it has amassed a collection of thousands of pieces in a variety of art mediums, from sculptures to photos.

Many of the works of art are examples of cultural history, dating back to the ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan cultures. However, more modern artists are also represented in the facility’s galleries. Since the museum’s collection is so expansive, gallery displays are frequently rotated, so it’s possible to visit multiple times and always have a different experience.

Some beloved pieces that are often on view are “Mask of Father of Comedy,” “Woman with Wool Basket,” and “Les Oiseaux (The Birds).” This facility also hosts workshops, classes, camps, and lectures for people of all ages who are beginning their journey of learning about the arts. “Studio 55” for adults 55+ is particularly popular.

Admission is free for children under 6, college students with an ID, and members, $5 for students K-12, $15 for professional artists, in-state educators, military personnel, and seniors 65+, and $25 for adults. Tampa Museum of Art is open Sunday through Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Cass Street at Gasparilla Plaza.

• Address: 120 West Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602

10. USF Contemporary Art Museum

The USF Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) has been one of the city’s most prestigious contemporary art facilities since 1989. In the decades since its establishment, the facility has collected over 5,000 pieces, though only a fraction of these works of art are on display at any given time. Those that aren’t currently on view can be seen via the museum’s online exhibit.

Numerous art mediums are represented at the CAM, with pieces ranging from graphic designs to sculptures. Some of the highlighted items in the permanent collection are “Chinese Summerhall” by Robert Rauschenberg, “Pink Sidewalk” by Anastasia Samoylova, and “Plando de la Habana (Pie Izquierdo)” by Los Carpinteros.

CAM also dedicates resources toward inspiring new and up-and-coming creatives through workshops and lecture series. Specific artists or projects are additionally showcased through temporary exhibitions, which are frequently hosted and rotated throughout the year for USF students and the general public.

Admission is free for everyone. CAM is open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is University of South Florida.

• Address: 3821 USF Holly Drive, Tampa, FL 33620

How To Get Free or Reduced Admission to Tampa Museums

We’ve indicated with each museum whether or not children, students, or seniors receive free or reduced admission. Several other programs offer similar concessions.

The Museums for All program offers free or reduced admission to museums through the U.S. for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). Participating attractions in the greater Tampa area include the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, the Glazer Children’s Museum, the Museum of Science & Industry, the Tampa Bay History Center, and the Tampa Museum of Art.

Bank of America’s Museums on Us program offers cardholders free general admission to the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and the Tampa Museum of Art on the first full weekend of every month.

Participation is subject to change; please verify participating museums and entry conditions before your visit.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an art lover or a history buff, Tampa clearly has no shortage of museum facilities worth visiting, no matter who you’re visiting this part of Florida with. With any luck, this list has helped you figure out which of Tampa’s many exhibits deserve a spot at the top of your travel bucket list. All you have to do now is plan your next getaway!