Tampa Theatre, Historic movie theater in Downtown Tampa, United States.
The Tampa Theatre is a 1926 atmospheric movie palace by architect John Eberson, its brick facade on Franklin Street carrying a vertical "TAMPA" blade sign and a marquee. Inside, the auditorium is designed as a Mediterranean courtyard with statuary, gargoyles and a ceiling painted as a starry night sky. Seating was reduced to 1,238 in a 2017 renovation.
Renowned architect John Eberson designed this movie palace in 1926, envisioning it as a Mediterranean courtyard fantasy. Community efforts to save the building led to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
The Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ is played by volunteer organists from the Central Florida Theatre Organ Society before nightly films. The building hosts over 700 events a year, from first-run and classic films to concerts and theatre tours, and its 1926 lobby tapestries were moved to the Tampa Bay History Center and replaced with replicas.
The theater is located on Franklin Street in downtown Tampa and is easily accessible by local transit. Visitors should arrive early to fully appreciate the interior's architectural details before the show begins.
The Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ is played by volunteer organists from the Central Florida Theatre Organ Society before nightly films. The building was the first commercial structure in Tampa with air conditioning, and its 2017 renovation cut seating from 1,446 to 1,238 to add legroom.
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