Summer days are best spent immersing yourself in the rich history and splendid beauty of Tampa Bay, and there's no better place to do that than the Henry B. Plant Museum. Housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, the Museum offers the perfect blend of education, exploration, and relaxation.
Here's how to make the most of a summer day at one of the best museums in Tampa.
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Take a Tour of the Museum
Begin your day with a guided tour of the museum to uncover the rich history of the old Tampa Bay Hotel. You can choose between a docent-led tour or a self-guided exploration, depending on your learning preferences.
Docent-Led Tour
If you have a party of 10 people or more, the Museum is proud to offer docent-led guided tours. These tours need to be booked in advance and are conducted by knowledgeable tour guides who bring the history of the Museum to life with fascinating stories and historical insights. You can learn about the hotel's role in Tampa's development, its famous guests, and its architectural significance. For more information, please visit our tour page.
Self-Guided Tour
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the Museum offers self-guided tour options. You can walk through the exhibits at your leisure and look through the informative plaques and brochures available throughout the Museum. A complimentary audio guide is also available for a more immersive experience, which provides detailed commentary on key displays and artifacts.
Explore the Museum
When you wander through the Museum, we highly encourage you to take your time and enjoy the exquisite furnishings, artwork, and intricate architectural details that define the Tampa Bay Hotel's unique charm. Special exhibits often rotate, so there's always something new to discover, from the personal effects of Henry B. Plant himself to artifacts from the Spanish-American War era. Each room tells a story and offers an insight into the lavish lives of luxury the hotel guests enjoyed.
Enjoy a Stroll and Picnic in the Gardens
If you are searching for “museums near me” and still want to see more sights, we have the solution for you. After your Museum exploration, we recommend stepping outside into the beautifully landscaped gardens that surround the old Tampa Bay Hotel. The lush Plant Park offers 6.7 acres of beautiful riverside outdoor spaces, perfect to wander through and relax in. You can even pack a picnic and find a spot in the gardens to enjoy your meal surrounded by some of the best sights in Tampa.
Some of the most beloved attractions in Plant Park include a statue of dogs, affectionately called The Dogs (Lemaitre) near the Museum, an oak that is rumored to be over 200 years old, a modern sculpture called Sticks of Fire (Shaffer), and the Palm Walk lined with hand-picked Sabal palm trees.
Enjoy a Picnic in the Gardens
For a quintessentially ‘summer’ activity, pack a picnic and find a cozy spot in the gardens. Enjoy your meal surrounded by nature, with the backdrop of the historic hotel adding a touch of elegance to your outing. The park's tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal place to unwind and savor the beauty of a summer day, and you can learn more about the gorgeous gardens, landscape, and outdoor sculptures with a free cell phone tour of Plant Park.
Enjoy a Perfect Day Out at The Henry B. Plant Museum
A visit to the Henry B. Plant Museum offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. If you are searching for “museums near me” to plan an enriching day, come out to explore ours.
We are proud to be among the best museums in Tampa. Plan your visit to The Henry B. Plant Museum today! Purchase your tickets online or at the entrance.