The Tampa Theatre is one of the most architecturally stunning older buildings we have left in the United States.
It was built in 1926 by then famous architect John Eberson. He designed many of the top movie houses in that day all over the country. He was a pioneer in creating the atmospheric style of theatres where upon entering the theatre it appears you are outside in a Mediterranean courtyard with twinkling stars and clouds overhead. For the Tampa he created a smooth blue plaster domed ceiling and installed 99 10-watt light bulbs, then projected clouds onto the ceiling.
The first movies played at the theatre were silent movies. The opening night ticket price was 25 cents. It was reported back then that people were flocking to the new Tampa Theatre because they wanted to see what man-made air felt like. The theatre was the first public building in the area with the new invention of air conditioning.
By 1929 the theatre started showing the latest Hollywood talkies. In 1977 the theatre was named on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a symbol of the city’s glorious past.
Thru the years many famous Entertainers, Celebrities, & Politicians have graced the stage at the Tampa Theatre. They like performing here because of the intimate setting and the beautiful surroundings. It has 1,446 seats and is now used as a movie house and for stage appearances. You can also take a balcony-to-backstage tour of the theatre for $5. They usually run 2 times a month on a Wednesday and Saturday. Call the box office for more information. The movie tickets are general admission while the concert tickets are assigned seating.
You can purchase tickets at the box office in front of the theatre. Their hours are Monday through Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm. Evenings and weekends it is open ½ hour before the show until ½ hour after the show.
The closest public parking lots are approximately 4 blocks away. You can drop off guests in front of the theatre before you park your car. There are some street meter parking spaces around the theatre and they are free after 5:00pm and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Being located in downtown Tampa there are many restaurants within walking distance to the Tampa Theatre. The Courtyard by Marriott, the Residence Inn by Marriott and the Hyatt Regency Tampa are all within 5 blocks of the theatre.
If you are planning on attending a show at the historically acclaimed Tampa Theatre in downtown Tampa, there is nothing like a nice walk to Dinner, the Show, and then a Romantic Stroll back to your hotel.