NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)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 theater, which is currently closed for these improvements, plans to reopen soon as it approaches its centennial in October.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
The project preserves a significant historic landmark and creates a new year-round education center in previously unused space, impacting local cultural access and community 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 to the public for renovations.
- The project includes repainting the interior to match the original colors identified through forensic analysis.
- Historic lighting instruments were sent to St. Louis for restoration and are being reinstalled.
- Unused space on the Florida Avenue side, dating back to 1926, is being converted into a year-round education center.
- The theater will celebrate its 100th anniversary in October.
- There are only 140 atmospheric theaters left in the world, with 18 designed by John Eberson.
- The Tampa Theatre is the only theater in its immediate downtown radius to survive since the 1960s and 70s.
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 educational camps”