When you're building a railroad to nowhere, how do you make the journey worthwhile? If you're railroad magnate Henry Bradley Plant, in the midst of the sand swamps that would be Tampa, you construct the most astonishingly magnificent hotel of its day, then fill it with treasures from around the world. With it's splendid Moorish architecture, opulent furnishings and spectacular tropical gardens, Plant's Tampa Bay Hotel attracted a host of celebrated guests, from Teddy Roosevelt to Sarah Bernhardt to Babe Ruth. A visit to the Henry B. Plant Museum and the authentically restored rooms of the Tampa Bay Hotel will transport you back to a time of indulgent 10-course meals, waltzing on the veranda and alligator hunting by moonlight. The journey is still worth while.
At the Henry B. Plant Museum, come experience the grandeur of an extravagant Victorian palace that opened in 1891 as the Tampa Bay Hotel and is now a National Historic Landmark. Stroll the Grand hallway and enter room adorned with European furniture and art treasures of the Gilded Age. Experience the elegance of the Victorian  lifestyle as a tourist in turn-of-the-century Florida.
You will begin your tour with a 14-minute introductory video entitled "The Tampa Bay Hotel: Florida's First Magic Kingdom". You will want to experience our hand-held audio tour. The 60-minute production offers a deeper understanding of the history of the Tampa Bay Hotel, while transporting you to a time and place of yesteryear. The audio tour includes oral histories, interviews, archival information, readings of primary source materials, multiple commentators, voices, music and sound effects. It is available with Museum admission. Guided tours Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 pm. No reservations required but you must be in the lobby by 1:00 pm.
Enjoy live theater of single character vignettes that bring turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life. Sundays at 2pm (Sept. - May). 30-minute performances.
In the month of December experience the Victorian Christmas Stroll. Tour through a 19th century grand Hotel adorned with authentic Victorian-styled trees, vintage fashions, antique toys and fanciful ornaments.
The Museum Store features jewelry, books, children's games, distinctive home and party accessories and signature gift-wrap. Read Less