The Former Tampa Bay Hotel - The Henry Plant Museum

Henry Plant was called the ‘King of Florida’. He was the founder of the Plant System of railroads, steamships and hotels. He brought railroads to Tampa in 1884. Plant hired New York architect J. A. Wood to design the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel in the style of a Moorish palace. Guests activities offered included hunting, fishing, dancing, golf, tennis, horse racing and swimming. The resort, which sat on 150 manicured acres, was open for 40 years and was visited by Babe Ruth, Thomas Edison, Theodore Roosevelt, Clara Barton, Winston Churchill, Gloria Swanson and John Philip Sousa. The hotel gained international recognition in 1898 when it served as headquarters for the United States Army during the Spanish-American War. Plant died in 1899, and the City of Tampa purchased the building in 1905. It continued to operate as a hotel until 1932. Today, the University of Tampa occupies most of the building and the museum, founded in 1933, occupies a portion of the first floor with various exhibits that showcase the hotel's history, as well as the lifestyle of the wealthy guests who once stayed here.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

It was built between 1888 and 1891 at a cost $2.5 million and half-million to furnish.

The large front porch with rockers

It was the most modern hotel of its day with electric lighting, private baths, telephones, and elevators.

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Henry Plant: Pioneer Empire Builder

By Kelly Reynolds

The Two Henrys: Henry Plant and Henry Flagler and Their Railroads (Pineapple Press Biography)

By Sammons, Sandra Wallus

From Saloons to Steak Houses: A History of Tampa

By Huse, Andrew T.

While the hotel was under construction, Henry and Margaret Plant traveled extensively throughout Europe purchasing furnishings for the hotel.

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The resort had few rivals in the 1890’s. Open from December through April, the hotel offered a luxurious oasis from the frozen north.

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Private baths were offered with each room

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Music and dancing were highlights at the hotel. This polyptych originally hung in the Music Room where it served as a backdrop for the orchestra.

This room is dedicated to the role the hotel played during the Spanish-American War.

The furnishing in the Writing and Reading Room are arranged as they were in 1891. This is the most historically accurate room in the building.

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These electrified figures served as newel posts on the grand staircase in the hotel lobby.

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During their shopping spree to furnish the new hotel, the Plants’ filled 41 train cars with their purchases of sculptures, oriental floor vases, French clocks, rugs, opulent furniture, paintings and tapestries.

This display shows the table setting that would be displayed in the formal dining room.

This room exhibits women’s pastimes at the resort

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A few of the original twenty Venitian-style mirrors. The beveled glass mirrors illuminated the hotel corridors with reflected light.

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This corridor leads to the exhibits of what suites looked like, set up with original period furnishings.

Inside the suites

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Notice the arched theme follows through

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Beautiful wood and glass entrance doors

Other rooms are filled with the hotel furnishings

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A collection of ceramics which filled the hotel

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Hotel souvenir spoons on display

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The arches were used throughout the architeure of the hotel.

The Tampa Bay Hotel was considered Florida’s first magic kingdom

What you should know:

• The museum building is now part of the University of Tampa.

• On the street parking is available; check posted parking regulations signs.

• Restrooms are available.

• Tickets for the museum can be purchased online or in person.

• Check website for days and hours of operation, and any special events.

• You could spend a couple of hours exploring here.

• The museum is self-guided, but there are staff members around to answer and questions.

Location: 401 W. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33606

For more information: Henry Plant Museum