Tampa Theatre — Attraction in Tampa

The place is absolutely beautiful!! The architecture is amazing! We went for a concert and the acoustics were great. Almost all the staff was so nice and friendly. I give only 3 stars due to the fact that if a venue holds a concert, were dancing will occur, they should provide space for dancing. I tried to dance in front of my seat and the sweet lady behind me couldn't see & i kept bumping into the nice gentleman in front of me. So I stepped out to the isle, I had an isle seat and danced right next to my seat. I made sure to keep to the side and watch for people coming & going. Most the staff that passed me was ok with it as I left plenty of room for people to pass and it was clear in case of emergency. 1 VERY angry staff lady yelled at me to take 1 step over and get back in my seat. So I did and again blocked the view for the lady behind me. I noticed people dancing on the side, so I went over there thinking it might be ok, tried both sides, not allowed. A very nice lady invited me to dance with her in front of her empty seat and all was fine. Except for that VERY angry staff lady, here she comes and yells at me again, mind you i was in front of a seat, and invited to be there, but she wasn't having it. seriously yelled at me to go back to my seat, so I did. and dancing in front of my seat, heaven forbid 1 foot was in the isle as I was trying to be respectful not to block the view for the nice lady behind me, low and behold here comes the VERY ANGRY staff lady again. She literally told me that was my last chance, if she yelled at me again she was having me kicked out. It was obvious to everyone she was targeting me and following me just to be mad at me dancing. Honestly I have no idea how she has a job there as the rest of the staff was so very kind, and if i was in the wrong spot for emergency exits they were at least kind when asking me to move. Being a dancer I am aware of fire exit policies and pay close attention to my surroundings and the space and people around me. There is no space in front of the seats to dance and if your going to have a concert you must expect people to dance. If I knew the lady's name who was beyond rude and just plain angry with her life I would advise it so you could find more professional staff to replace her with for these events. I'm sure the theater is aware of the staff member and hopefully provide her proper training how to treat people. I suggest designating an area where people can dance and not get in trouble or YELLED at like a child and threatened to be kicked out of a concert they payed to go and dance at. Or stick to movies, or anything other than...

Walking into the Tampa Theatre is like stepping back in time. The moment you cross the threshold, you're transported to an era of opulence and grandeur. The celestial ceiling twinkles with "stars" and a sense of wonder, making every visit feel like a special occasion. The architecture is the star of the show. It's a breathtaking blend of Moorish, Spanish, and Italian Renaissance styles that you won't find anywhere else. The ornate details on the walls, the lush curtains, and the intricate carvings are a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. It’s an immersive experience that a modern cinema just can't replicate. While the beauty of the theater is undeniable, it's the experience that truly makes it special. Watching a film here is an event, not just a casual outing. They show a fantastic mix of classic movies, indie flicks, and new releases, so there's always something interesting on the schedule. And the pre-show organ music played on the theater's original Wurlitzer organ is a magical touch that sets the perfect mood. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, and the concessions offer a good variety of snacks and drinks. While the seats are comfortable, be prepared for an authentic, historic theater experience. You're not going to find stadium seating, but that's part of its charm. The Tampa Theatre is more than just a place to watch a movie; it's a living piece of history, an artistic masterpiece, and a true gem of the city. Whether you're a film buff, a history lover, or just looking for a unique night out, the Tampa Theatre is an...

The 1920s American motion-picture cathedral was a unique architectural phenomenon developed to capitalize on motion pictures as new, inexpensive entertainment for the masses. While we watch streaming services on our smartphones in the 21st century, people in the 1920s were blown away from the fact that photographs could be animated via a hand-crank silent film projector.

Tampa Theatre opened in 1926 and was designed by legendary theater architect John Eberson who pioneered an "atmospheric" style of design, which treated his guests to an "intimate moonlit Mediterranean sky dotted with stars...."

In the 1960's, changes in society and the film industry rendered large, single-screen theaters like Tampa Theatre economically obsolete. In 1973, Tampa Theatre was faced with demolition but because of its architectural and historical significance, Tampa's civic and business leaders rallied to preserve the building in hopes that a revitalized theatre could also help revitalize a struggling downtown.

Starting in the late 70's, restoration began and in 1978, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was declared an official City of Tampa Landmark Building in 1988. The theatre currently holds year-round programming to include public tours every so often. During the tour, you'll learn all about the history and get an opportunity to listen to one of the few remaining fully functional pipe organs in the country.

Don't let the exterior fool you. The interior is a...