Tampa Theatre

Learn about the Tampa Theatre 

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The Tampa Theatre is an iconic landmark in Downtown Tampa, Florida, and a unique example of John Eberson's atmospheric theatre-style movie palace architecture. Opening on October 15th 1926, it has since presented independent, foreign, and documentary films to the public. Learn about the Henry B. Plant Museum

Serving as a non-profit organization, the theatre is kept afloat via memberships, donations, corporate sponsorships and revenues from ticket and concession sales. It has gained notoriety through its appearances in films, music videos and other local programming.

The History of the Tampa Theater

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As the first commercial building in Tampa to feature air conditioning, Tampa Theatre has become a romantic Mediterranean courtyard - replete with old-world statuary, flowers and gargoyles - beneath a simulated night sky of stars. The building was almost demolished due to financial constraints in 1973, but its fate was changed by a group effort from citizens, city leaders and the Arts Council of Hillsborough County which took over programming and management. Restoration efforts followed after a fire in 1991 under the guidance of the Tampa Theatre Foundation; today, it sees over 600 events each year between films (both classic and first-run), concerts, special events and educational programs. Learn about Coastal Outdoors! 

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Address: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

Phone: (813) 274-8981

Capacity: 1,252

Opened: October 15, 1926

Architect: John Eberson

Architectural style: Mediterranean Revival architecture

Added to NRHP: January 3, 1978

Function: Theater