Events

Enjoy live theater of single-character vignettes that bring turn-of–the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life. Based on original research conducted by the Henry Plant Museum, these characters recreate the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence.  Each character presents a different perspective on the time through his or her particular vantage point at the hotel.  All characters in this production are based wholly or in part on actual hotel staff and guests. Performances are 30 minutes. Click here for schedule and more information.

Underwritten in part by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners

GASPARILLA: A TAMPA TRADITION - January 13 - February 19, 2012

Enjoy the rich history of Gasparilla–Tampa’s oldest and most fun-loving community festival. Our new exhibit, Gasparilla: A Tampa Tradition explores Tampa’s premier party, attended by a motley crew of the famous and infamous, the beautiful people and bad dudes.  Find out who they were as we highlight pirate booty and things of beauty during the city’s only exhibit of Krewe of Gasparilla memorabilia-coronation robes, ball invitations, programs, crowns and costumes as well as vintage photographs of the invasion, parade floats, pirates and royal courts.

Underwritten by Cynthia and Todd Alley

HEARTS & FLOWERS: VICTORIAN VALENTINES - February 1-29, 2012

Looking for inspiration for a romantic weekend with your Valentine? Surprise your sweetheart with a visit to the legendary Tampa Bay Hotel. Our Victorian palace has a new exhibit featuring a collection of antique valentines from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.   Samples of this treasured paper ephemera will be on display through February 27th.  Themes often included pictures of children and cherubs, cupids and arrows, hearts, forget-me-nots, lush cabbage roses, bits of lace, feathers, seashells and dried flowers - all intertwined with sentimental messages.

VICTORIAN VALENTINE MAKING - February 4, 2012, 10 am - Noon

Create your own Victorian-era love tokens for those sweet someones. Refreshments and all supplies are provided for this hands-on workshop for adults and children accompanied by an adult. You don't have to be an artist to have fun making valentines. However, you may bring items to personalize your Valentines...perhaps a treasured photograph or a scrape of old lace. The list is endless. The workshop will be conducted by Heather Trubee Brown, Curator of Education in the Music Room of Plant Hall at The University of Tampa. The cost is $15 for Museum members, $20 for not-yet-members. Space is limited. For reservations, email Heather at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 813.258.7304.

ANTIQUES EVALUATIONS SATURDAYS - February 11, 2012

Bring your favorite treasures to the Music Room in Plant Hall at The University of Tampa for a verbal evaluation. At 10:00 am on Saturday, February 11th, local appraisers will be available to answer your questions.  Evaluation cost is $5.00 per item, which goes to the restoration and renovation of the museum.  There is a limit of four items per family. Tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis, and will be sold between 10:00 am and Noon.

SUNDAY TOURS - February 19, 2012

On Sunday, February 19th, enjoy a complimentary tour (with regular admission) of the Museum. At 1 pm, Docent Cindy Xenick will lead a 35-40 minute tour of the Museum. Cindy will discuss who were the indivuals who worked at the Tampa Bay Hotel on her tour.

At 2 pm, Upstairs/Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel will feature Otis Freeman, Head Waiter, 1895. This 30-minute live theater performance will unveil  Otis knowledge about how polite society should behave; not every member can pass his “soup test.” Otis is a self-educated, intelligent man who overcomes the confinements of his station in life. Actor Ed Walker Jr plays Otis Freedman. Upstairs/Downstairs is also complimentary with regular admission to the Museum.

PICNIC IN THE PARK - March 11, 2012, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm

Our spring tradition of Picnic in the Park continues to evolve with old-fashioned flair.  Come early to get a prime spot of shade and plan to stay late into the afternoon. Victorian games will be available for all-day play and include dominoes, horseshoes, badminton, tiddlywinks, hoops & sticks and chess. Entertainment on Center Stage includes Flexible Four Barbershop Quartet, Tampa Community Band, and The University of Tampa Band Wind Ensemble.  

You may bring your own picnic basket, chairs, blankets and coolers or you may want to rent a table for eight ($20) and purchase your lunch from us.  The $10 box will be filled with fried chicken, pasta salad, grapes, chips, pickles, pound cake and water.  Email your reservations for tables or boxed lunches by March 8 to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Underwritten by Publix Super Markets Charities, Hill Ward Henderson, Raymond James Financial, Inc. and Blue Bell Ice Cream

JAPAN & the VICTORIANS - March 11 - December 31, 2012

This exhibit explores how Japan influenced culture in Europe and America and how the America and Europe influenced Japan. The exhibit will feature grand pieces from the Tampa Bay Hotel collection, private collectors and several museums. 

Photo from Polk Museum of Art Permanent Collection

Underwritten by Dr. Alfred N. Page and Lynn Manos