Built in 1926, the Tampa Theatre is a luxurious movie palace featuring a unique mix of architectural styles including Italian Renaissance, Byzantine and Greek Revival. It presents foreign and classic films regularly along with specialty concerts and other programs. Tampa’s majestic movie palace hosts 600+ events each year, including contemporary films, classic movies, concerts, corporate events, educational programs, weddings and tours. The recently restored historic landmark has been called “One of the Most Spectacular Theaters in the World” by CNN and one of “15 Things You Must Do in Tampa” by the Huffington Post.
Even if you’re not in town for a film screening or performance, visitors highly recommend a stop at the beautifully ornate Tampa Theatre. When it was built in 1926, the theater was considered one of the world’s most elaborate theaters. Designed by architect John Eberson, the interior features a 900-pipe Wurlitzer organ and was constructed to look like a Mediterranean garden with flowers and gargoyles. Take a look at the ceiling and you’ll spot 99 bulbs meant to resemble stars in the night sky. If you can’t attend a show here, consider taking a tour instead.
Prior to each movie, a gentleman playing an organ ascends upward where he can be seen and then shortly thereafter descends that makes for a unique experience. Interestingly, the theatre is a not-for-profit, which is a good thing because it appears at the movies anyway that attendance is low.
This is the perfect place for a romantic date. The opulent theatre dates has been renovated numerous times. But its spectacular architecture and ambiance lives on. It’s a hidden jewel. Many people haven’t even heard of it despite all of the movies and special events that take place
Tampa Theatre is a grand and opulent movie house often featuring the best new, limited releases (that you won’t find @ the multiplex), and the classics that you missed and must see properly presented on the big screen.
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