8 Museums to Explore in Hillsborough County

Housed in a 53,000-square-foot facility in downtown Tampa, the museum features 170 interactive exhibits in multiple themed areas. Traveling exhibits occasionally supplement the museum's permanent collection as well.

Plant Hall was formerly known as the Tampa Bay Hotel, which was a 511-room resort hotel opened on February 5, 1891 by Henry B. Plant near the terminus of his rail line. The museum's exhibits focus on Gilded Age tourism, the elite lifestyle of the hotel's guests, and the building's use during the Spanish–American War.

A community-based not-for-profit institution and educational resource that is dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology.

A history museum in Tampa. Exhibits include coverage of the Tampa Bay area's first native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, and historical figures who shaped the area's history, as well as a reproduction of a 1920s cigar store.

Tampa Museum of Art is an outstanding institution for experiencing and appreciating the finest in visual art from around the world. Housed within its walls are permanent collections that display artwork from ancient to modern times including European masters, ancient Greek and Roman antiquities, contemporary American art and more. The museum also has temporary exhibitions and special programming that showcase the works of renowned international artists as well as local talent.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, is a world-renowned museum with the largest collection of Baroque art in America. Spanning over 68 acres, it features five different buildings that highlight a full range of artwork from the 16th century to present day. From Italian grand masters such as Rembrandt and Monet to contemporary pieces from Jackson Pollock, the museum is sure to impress any visitor looking for an educational yet enjoyable experience.

Ybor City Museum State Park is a great destination for exploring the history of Ybor City. The museum in the park highlights the city's rich culture and history, focusing on its 19th-century cigar industry roots. Visitors to the museum will learn about the Tampa's first settlers and see unique artifacts like machines used to make cigars. There are beautiful trails looping around the park letting visitors take in sights like old cigar factories, Spanish Revival homes, and Victorian architecture.