Tampa Theatre, Tampa (must see)

Let’s step into the dazzling bygone era of movie-palaces with a visit to Tampa’s own grand jewel: the Tampa Theatre. Opened on October 15, 1926, this "atmospheric" masterpiece by architect John Eberson was designed to make you feel as if you’d wandered into a Mediterranean-courtyard under a starry sky – twinkling stars, gargoyles, tile roofs and all.

Back in its heyday, patrons paid a quarter to escape the Florida heat and sunk into plush seats beneath "man-made air". Fast-forward to 2025 and this majestic venue is still very much alive, playing host to hundreds of events each year – from first-run films and classic screenings, to live concerts, ghost tours (yes, it’s haunted), and behind-the-scenes architectural walks.

As you walk through its ornate lobby, you’ll feel the echoes of silent-film orchestras, the hush of a thousand excited audiences, and the glamour of an era when going to the movies meant something extravagant. Today, the majestic ceiling still seems to whisper: "You’re somewhere special." If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the restored 1,400-pipe Wurlitzer organ rising into song before the feature begins – a delightful reminder of the golden age.

For a visitor to Tampa looking for more than just another cinema experience, this theatre offers treasures for the eyes and the heart: ornate detail, living history, surprising spookiness – and a chance to sit and soak it in. Whether you come for the show or simply linger in the mezzanine and look up at those stars, the Tampa Theatre rewards curiosity. Don’t block out the evening yet – this place takes you somewhere magical.