Inside Plant Hall at the University of Tampa, the Henry B. Plant Museum occupies part of the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, a grand railroad resort built by Henry B. Plant. Its silver minarets and Moorish Revival design make the building a draw before you step inside. In the restored rooms, original furnishings, artwork and exhibits trace the hotel’s Gilded Age guests and Tampa’s growth through railroads and tourism. A short film and audio tour add context as you explore this historic landmark.
Inside the former Tampa Bay Hotel
The Henry B. Plant Museum is in the south wing of Plant Hall on the University of Tampa campus. The building opened in 1891 as the Tampa Bay Hotel, a luxury resort created by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant. Today, university offices and classrooms occupy other parts of the building, while the museum interprets the hotel’s history and its place in Tampa’s development.
The museum preserves original hotel furnishings and artwork, including objects collected by Henry and Margaret Plant during their travels in Europe and Asia. As you move through the rooms and hallways, look for the furniture and decorative details that give the former resort its period character. The collection also includes European and Asian art, Victorian objects and sculptures.
Architecture and the Gilded Age
Plant Hall’s Moorish Revival design is visible from outside: silver minarets and ornate arches rise above the former hotel. The architecture reflects the scale and ambition of the resort Henry B. Plant built beside his rail network. Its location made it possible for guests arriving by rail to reach the hotel directly.
Inside, the exhibits explore the hotel’s luxurious reputation and the rise of tourism in Florida. They also connect Henry Plant’s railroad ventures with Tampa’s growth. Displays cover the hotel’s history, the city’s development and events tied to the region, including the Spanish-American War and the Cuban campaign. The museum’s interpretation gives context to the objects and rooms rather than treating the building as decoration alone.
Planning your visit
Begin with the short film near the entrance, then continue through the exhibits at your own pace. An audio tour is available, and the museum also has scavenger hunts for a more interactive visit. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and on Sunday, and is closed on Monday; Sunday visits start later in the day.
Special programming can add a different focus to a visit. The Victorian Christmas Stroll brings seasonal decorations into the historic setting, and the museum also hosts live music events. The museum’s website is the place to check for current programming and ticket details before you go.
FAQ
Where is the Henry B. Plant Museum?
It is in the south wing of Plant Hall at the University of Tampa, at 401 W Kennedy Blvd in Tampa.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours to explore the rooms and exhibits.
Is the Henry B. Plant Museum open on Mondays?
No. It is closed on Mondays. It opens later on Sundays than on other open days.
What can you see at the museum?
The exhibits interpret the former Tampa Bay Hotel and Tampa’s history, with original hotel furnishings, artwork and objects from the Gilded Age.
Does the museum have an audio tour?
Yes. An audio tour is available, and a short film plays near the entrance.
