The Tampa Museum of Art is housed in a striking rectangular building wrapped in a perforated aluminum skin embedded with programmable LED lights. During the day, the façade reflects clouds and daylight. At night it becomes a glowing canvas for a light installation. The museum first opened its doors in 1979, but moved to this new home on the north side of the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in 2010.Go straight to the museum’s heart, the eight galleries on the second floor. There are 14,000 square feet (1,300 square meters) of exhibition space that display the permanent collections and an ever-changing roster of temporary exhibits. Make time for the extensive collection of classical Greek and Roman sculptures and pottery. There’s a strong focus on Greek painted pottery from around 600 b.c. to 300 b.c. Another highlight is the photographic collection. It’s in two parts: the first covers 19th-century photography of archaeological sites and artifacts housed in European museums. The second features general photography from the 1970s onwards.On the ground floor you’ll find a museum store, café and lecture rooms. Step outside for a walk through the large sculpture terrace that features traveling exhibits. Occasionally, there won’t be any art on show here. Even so, it’s a relaxing spot and offers good views of the Hillsborough River.For families with young children, there’s the Art Spot, a drop-in art program held every Saturday. Kids are able to paint, draw, sketch and sculpt. Check the museum’s website for times.The Tampa Museum of Art is situated in downtown Tampa on the Hillsborough River. It’s easily accessible by public transport. There are also pay parking options in the nearby William Poe Garage.The museum is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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Popular places to visit
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
One of the gems of the Riverwalk rejuvenation project is this park, whose fountains, art and dog run have quickly made it Tampa’s new “town square.”
Glazer Children's Museum
Bring kids to this museum on the Riverwalk and they may not want to leave. Parents might agree with them after a bit of time among the hundreds of activities.
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Rotating exhibits add to an impressive collection of photographs, both historic and contemporary, inside this very striking building on Tampa’s waterfront.
Henry B. Plant Museum
Revisit the Victorian Age of Tampa in this museum housed in part of a palatial former hotel now known as the "first Magic Kingdom.”
Tampa Theater
Go to a screening of a rare classic film in this historic theater palace that has a special place in the hearts of Tampa’s local residents.
David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
Broadway, opera and theater show off Tampa’s foremost performance venue, whose creative energy spills out into the rest of the city.
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