Tampa Bay History Center and Columbia Cafe reopen after Hurricane Helene

TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2024)—The Tampa Bay History Center, located at 801 Water Street, will reopen on Sunday, Sept. 29, following a three-day closure due to Hurricane Helene. The museum is again open to the public, with its galleries open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The History Center’s Columbia Cafe has also resumed normal operations, with regular hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

GALLERY TICKETS    CAFE RESERVATIONS

While much of the Tampa Bay area is focused on recovering from the storm’s impact, the History Center and Columbia Cafe are committed to providing residents and visitors with a welcoming space to take a break and discover Florida history. Our thoughts and support are with everyone still cleaning up and assessing the impact of Hurricane Helene, and we recognize the resilience shown by the Tampa Bay community.

Additionally, the Water Street Tampa neighborhood surrounding the History Center has been declared safe and walkable. Visitors and residents are encouraged to check with individual businesses for updated hours of operation as the area resumes regular activities.

About the Tampa Bay History Center

Located on Tampa’s Water Street, the Tampa Bay History Center includes three floors of permanent and temporary exhibition space focusing on 12,000 years of Florida’s history and culture. A Smithsonian Affiliate Museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the History Center includes the Touchton Map Library and Florida Center for Cartographic Education, and the Witt Research Center, and is home to the Columbia Cafe. One of Tampa’s premier cultural venues, the History Center’s hands-on, interactive exhibits and theaters provide an entertaining and educational experience for visitors of all ages.