Tampa Bay History Center

This museum dives into the 500 years of recorded history and 12,000 years of human history of the Tampa Bay region.

Step back in time and learn about Florida’s rich history through the detailed and interactive exhibits at the Tampa Bay History Center. Located on the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, this history center is a Smithsonian Affiliate and honors the deep history of the region. With 3 floors to explore, the museum tells the story of Tampa Bay through permanent and temporary exhibits, artifacts, and immersive displays. From the native inhabitants and Spanish conquistadors to the cigar industry and modern developments, you’re bound to leave the museum with heaps of new knowledge.

If you really want to get as much out of a visit to the Tampa Bay History Center as possible, there are various tour options available. The museum has an impressive replica of a 1920s cigar store, a massive 60-foot pirate ship as a centerpiece, a detailed maritime gallery, and a tribute to military history, all of which add to the museum's immersive environment. Tampa Bay is known for its long history of pirates and even has a yearly festival surrounding them, and there’s no better place to learn about such than at the history center. With its ideal location near downtown Tampa, engaging exhibits, and dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the region, the Tampa Bay History Center is a remarkable establishment that both locals and tourists alike can explore and learn about of Tampa’s fascinating past.