Monthly email header

Upstairs/Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel - Sundays

Up/Down

Each Sunday afternoon at 2 pm, from September 7, 2014  - May 31, 2015, step back in time and enjoy a one-person show that brings turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life.  Recreating the attitudes and mores of a bygone time, along with the sorrows and joys of their existence, characters Henry Plant ( President of the Plant System and builder of the Tampa Bay Hotel), Arthur Schleman (hunting and fishing guide), Pauline Smith (telegraph operator), Otis Freedman (head waiter), Teddy Roosevelt (former Lieutenant Colonel of the Rough Riders), and First Lady Edith Roosevelt present their individual perspectives on what it meant to be part of Plant's luxury resort.

Upstairs/Downstairs is underwritten by Mosaic and the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.  

Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links

Logo 

 

Events 

The History 

Join Us  

Face Book  

Twitter  

Antiques Evaluations Saturdays - September 20, 10 am - Noon

Bring your favorite treasures to the Music Room in Plant Hall at The University of Tampa for a verbal evaluation. At 10 am on Saturday, September 20, local appraisers will be available to answer your questions. Evaluation cost is $5 per item, which goes to the restoration and renovation of the museum. There is a limit of four items per family. Tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis, and will be sold between 10 am and 11:45 pm. If furniture is too large, bring a good photograph and a drawer or door from the piece, if possible.
 
Afterwards you may visit the Museum for free.
 
Underwritten by The Bank of Tampa

Sunday Tour - September 21, 1 pm

Tours

On Sunday, September 21th, a complimentary tour (with regular admission) of the Museum will occur. At 1 pm, a Docent will lead a 40-45 minute tour of the Museum.

 

At 2 pm, Upstairs/Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel will feature Henry Plant, President of Plant Systems and builder of the Tampa Bay Hotel, 1899. This 30-minute live theater performance will feature Henry Plant as a self-made man during America's Industrial Age.   Not usually one to talk about himself or his accomplishments, Mr. Plant takes a rare moment to reflect on his life.  Sharing details about building his empire of steamship and rail lines and luxury hotels, Mr. Plant talks about how the Plant System was central to the development to Tampa. He even reveals some of his personal work ethic.  Actor Richard Coppinger plays Henry Plant. The performance is complimentary with your admission.

Museum Day Live! - September 27   


Museum Day
In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by
Smithsonian Magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket...for free. The Henry B. Plant Museum will be participating again this year.
 

You will receive free admission by registering with Smithsonian Magazine and printing the tickets sent by email from Smithsonian. For a direct link for tickets, click here.

The Pottery of Wedgwood - Until December 31, 2014 

Introduced in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood, the distinctive pottery bearing his name has a legacy synonymous with luxury and skilled craftsmanship. Queen's Ware, Black Basalt and Jasperware are his most famous designs applied to both useful and ornamental wares.

The Museum's exhibit, The Pottery of Wedgwood features more than 80 examples of Wedgwood's creations from the 19th century. The majority of the objects on display are from the Museum's permanent collection from the Walton M. Smith bequest. Twelve of the pieces are on special loan from the Birmingham Museum of Art, which houses the most comprehensive collection of Wedgwood outside of England.

The centerpiece of this striking exhibit is a grand floor vase purchased by Henry and Margaret Plant for the Tampa Bay Hotel. This monumental majolica swan vase is one of the largest pieces of majolica ever produced by Wedgwood and is one of eight known to be in existence in the world.  More Info

Underwritten by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Lykes, III, Phelps Dunbar, LLP, Regions Bank, Smith & Associates Real Estate and Tampa Bay Times. 

Museum Store

Old-fashioned favorites and novelties distinguish our collection of toys and games!

 

 

This summer introduce your children or grandchildren to toys of yesteryear...where imagination and skill are key.


Prices range from $5.95 to $32.50

Every purchase supports the Henry Plant Museum
Save 10% on all children's toys!
This coupon must be printed and presented in person. Offer can not be used with other discounts. We encourage recipients to share the offer with friends and family!

 

Offer Expires: August 31, 2014

GREAT EVENTS...WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES at the Henry Plant Museum. Don't miss out on the fun!

Sally Shifke
Henry B. Plant Museum