Policies and Procedures
WELCOME BACK
The Tampa Bay History Center will reopen to the public on Monday, June 1 at 10 a.m., and will do so in accordance with guidelines set forth by the State of Florida, in adherence to health and safety recommendations outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, and following recommendations on reopening from the American Alliance of Museums.
“We understand the historic nature of this pandemic and the dramatic effect it has had locally and across the nation,” said History Center President and CEO C.J. Roberts. “We also understand the importance of sharing our community’s stories, how learning about our common past can help to inform both the present and our future. We’re proud to continue that mission on June 1 when we reopen our galleries.”
In addition to limiting capacity in galleries and theater presentations, all of the History Center’s Visitor Services Associates and front-of-house staff are required to wear protective equipment while interacting with the public, ticket purchases will be conducted online only, some “hands-on” gallery interactives have been temporarily disabled, and a regular schedule for cleaning and disinfecting high-traffic areas has been implemented.
The History Center will also reduce Adult admission levels by $2. An Adult ticket, normally $14.95 is now $12.95. All other ticket levels are as follows: $12.95/Seniors (60+), Military, First Responders, Students; $10.95/Youth (7-17); Children 6 & under are free.
Gallery capacity will be limited. Timed-entry tickets should be purchased in advance at tampabayhistorycenter.org and will go on sale beginning Friday, May 22.
“We understand we’re offering a modified experience,” said Roberts. “To offset that, and to welcome our community back, we’re temporarily reducing our admission fees.”
Visitors are encouraged to call ahead or check the History Center’s website prior to visiting for up-to-date information and announcements.
While some of the History Center’s educational programs remain on hold, the museum has expanded its online offerings since closing in March. Lesson plans and activities for teachers and students, virtual tours of recent exhibits, artifact spotlights and more are available on the History Center’s website at tampabayhistorycenter.org/museum-at-home/ and social media channels while in-person programming is paused. A limited number of Summer Camp offerings are scheduled for July.
Columbia Cafe at the History Center will open Wednesday, May 20 with a streamlined menu and new social distancing practices. The Cafe will open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tables at the indoor/outdoor restaurant will be socially distanced and staff will wear masks and follow state and local hygiene guidelines for the safety of customers. The bar will be closed. Guests are not required to wear masks but are requested to observe social distancing guidelines as well.
When You Arrive
- We encourage all guests to practice social distancing, wear a mask, and utilize sanitation stations throughout the History Center.
- Capacity in the History Center’s galleries and store will be limited to encourage social distancing.
- Capacity in our theater spaces will also be limited for each screening.
- Timed-entry tickets can be purchased in advance beginning May 22.
Ticketing and Payments
- To welcome you back, regular Adult tickets have been reduced by $2. No other discounts will be honored at this time.
- Gallery capacity will be limited. Therefore, timed-entry tickets are available for advance purchase online. Purchasing tickets in advance is the best way to ensure prompt entry.
- Touchless transaction options will be available.
While You Visit
- We encourage all guests to practice social distancing, wear a mask, and utilize sanitation stations throughout the History Center.
- History Center staff will clean and disinfect high-traffic areas on an hourly basis.
- Capacity in the galleries, theaters and museum store will be limited. We ask for patience and understanding as we adhere to these mandated limits.
- Group visits will also be limited. Larger groups may be divided into smaller cohorts to ensure distancing guidelines.
- Some “hands-on” and touchscreen experiences may not be available.
- A digital gallery guide will be available via your personal handheld device. Just ask a Visitor Services Associate about how to access it.
Parking
- Parking is located at various city-owned and private lots and garages surrounding the History Center or take the streetcar for free to the History Center.
- Valet parking is not available at this time. We encourage you to review local traffic conditions and parking options prior to your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you reopen?
The History Center will reopen to the public at limited capacity on Monday, June 1, 2020.
How do I purchase tickets?
Capacity in the galleries will be limited. Timed-entry tickets can be purchased in advance beginning May 22. If you have not purchased advance tickets, a Visitor Services Associate can assist you, pending current capacity. Note that you may be asked to wait for the next available time slot.
Is the Columbia Cafe open?
Columbia Cafe at the History Center will open Wednesday, May 20 with a streamlined menu and new social distancing practices. The Cafe will open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tables at the indoor/outdoor restaurant will be socially distanced and staff will wear masks and follow state and local hygiene guidelines for the safety of customers. The bar will be closed. Guests are not required to wear masks but are requested to observe social distancing guidelines as well.
I purchased a ticket online prior to your closing. Will you still honor it?
Yes. A Visitor Services Associate can assist you, pending current capacity. Note that you may be asked to wait for the next available time slot.
I'd like to book a group visit or field trip to the History Center. Who should I contact?
Please note that during this phased reopening, capacity for group visits will be limited. Visit our group tours page or contact Brian Buttafuoco at [email protected] for questions about booking a group visit.
Are masks required?
Wearing a protective face mask while visiting the History Center is strongly encouraged.
Do you have masks available for purchase?
At this time, we are not providing or selling face masks.
How will my membership to the History Center be affected as a result of COVID-19?
Annual memberships will be automatically extended for the amount of time the Center was closed – about 2.5 months. No action will be required on your part.
Do you have online resources for at-home learning?
LOCATION
801 Water Street, Tampa, Fl 33602
Tampa Riverwalk
CONTACT
Phone: 813.228.0097
Email: [email protected]
BUSINESS HOURS
Open daily, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Galleries are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and open until 3 p.m. on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Have any questions for us? Please get in touch!
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801 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602
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