Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. Here are museums that are participating in Free Museum Day in Tampa Bay:
Museums in Tampa
Cracker Country
Cracker Country, a rural Florida living history museum, was established in 1978 by Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Carlton Jr. Cracker Country features thirteen original buildings dating from 1870 to 1912 and is set in 1898. The buildings were moved to their present location from throughout the state.
While admission is free, parking is not. Enter the Fairgrounds via MLK Parking Entrance and park near Gate 2. $10.00 per car. $16.00 per RV/Bus/Oversized vehicles.
Ybor City Museum State Park
Exhibits on Ybor City’s cultural history, including a restored home, & Mediterranean gardens.
Related: Hidden History: Tampa’s Mutual Aid Societies
Henry B. Plant Museum
The Henry B. Plant Museum is housed in the south wing of Plant Hall on the University of Tampa’s campus, located at 401 West Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa, Florida.
The Henry B. Plant Museum will open its doors free of charge on Saturday September 17. The Museum Day ticket is available for download by clicking here. One ticket per email address is permitted.
Museums in St. Pete
Tampa Bay History Center
Tampa Bay History Center is a history museum in Tampa, Florida. 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.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
This is a museum for national African American history, named after the man who inspired Black History Month.
There will be some artists on hand to interact with the guests. Guests will be able to participate in painting with the artist, playing the drums, face painting for the youth, and light refreshments.
Florida Holocaust Museum
The Florida Holocaust Museum is a Holocaust museum located at 55 Fifth Street South in St. Petersburg, Florida. Founded in 1992, it moved to its current location in 1998. Formerly known as the Holocaust Center, the museum officially changed to its current name in 1999.
The museum anticipates that parking will be limited, and off-site parking may be required. Visitors are encouraged to wear masks. There may be delays in entry to maintain some social distancing. Please check the FHM website, thefhm.org, for other restrictions.
Imagine Museum
This is a contemporary gallery showcasing works by American emerging & established studio glass artists.
Advanced tickets are required and are available in two ways:
- Through Imagine Museum Website (imaginemuseum.com): tickets will be available starting Sept. 2. Advanced tickets through Imagine Museum will be timed and have capacity restrictions. Arrival times are based on 30-min timeslots that begin at 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
- Through Smithsonian Museum website
Visitors must be in line by 3 p.m. at the latest. Tickets allow access to all 1st floor galleries. Individuals will be placed in Groups of 15. No Large Bags or Backpacks allowed. Please do not use flash photography, tripods, video cameras, easels or selfie sticks.
Masks are optional. Queue line for admission will be outside. Be prepared for all weather conditions.
The Dali Museum
The Salvador Dalí Museum is an art museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States, dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí. It is located on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront.
Free admission is only for Pinellas County residents with a valid proof of residence. Tickets must be pre-reserved online to help with capacity. Face masks are recommended for all museum visitors.
Related: St. Pete Releases Plans for Historic Gas Plant District
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is a museum located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Businessman Thomas James founded and opened the museum in 2018. The museum has thousands of pieces from the James’ collection, including both contemporary and traditional works.
Advanced reservations are available. Limited walk-up tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event. Admission is not guaranteed even with a reservation. Walk-up tickets will only be available until 4:00 p.m.
Admission includes access to the permanent collection and new special exhibition, Black Pioneers: Legacy in the American West.
St. Petersburg Museum of History
The St. Petersburg Museum of History is a history museum located in St. Petersburg, Florida, dedicated to covering the area’s history. As of 2020, the museum’s director is Rui Farias. Mary Wheeler Eaton founded the museum in 1920 as the St. Petersburg Memorial Historical Society.
Free admission for Pinellas County residents only. Visitors do not need to wear masks but they museum does recommend them.
Museum of Fine Arts
Exhibits spanning 4,000 years, including African art, European paintings & American photography.
Advance tickets are not required. Masks are recommended but not required for guests while in the museum. Additional hand-sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the museum. Capacity will be limited to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and the artworks, and there may be a delay in entry.