NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)August 26, 2026Hillsborough
Tampa Theatre undergoes $30.5 million restoration ahead of 100th anniversary
The historic Tampa Theatre is completing the first phase of a $30.5 million renovation project to restore original architectural details and expand educational facilities. The venue, which is currently closed for these improvements, plans to reopen soon to celebrate its centennial in October.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
The project preserves a rare 'atmospheric' movie palace and adds a new year-round education center, impacting local access to historic arts and youth programming.
Key Facts
- The total renovation budget for the Tampa Theatre is $30.5 million.
- Phase one of the renovation, costing $24.5 million, is nearing completion.
- A second phase requiring $6 million to $6.5 million in additional funding is planned.
- The theater is currently closed for renovations but is scheduled to reopen soon.
- Restoration efforts include repainting walls to their original colors based on forensic analysis.
- Original lighting instruments were sent to St. Louis for restoration and are being reinstalled.
- Unused space on the Florida Avenue side of the building is being converted into a year-round education center.
- The theater is one of only 18 'atmospheric' theaters built by John Eberson remaining in the world.
- The Tampa Theatre will celebrate its 100th anniversary in October.
- The theater partners with the University of South Florida to host youth film camps.
Who's Mentioned
personJohn Eberson“Architect who designed the Tampa Theatre”personJohn Bell“Retired former CEO of Tampa Theatre”personGeorge Levesque“New CEO and president of Tampa Theatre”personMatthew Peddie“Interviewer for Florida Matters Live & Local”organizationUniversity of South Florida“Partner for youth film camps”