Historic Tampa Theatre, a haunted gem, brings back balcony to backstage tours

The iconic Tampa Theatre is one of my top 5 favorite places in the city. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing cult classics in this theatre, horror epics, Oscar-worthy films, and even acclaimed authors inside this near-century-old structure. It also makes the best movie theatre popcorn in Florida. While the films and speakers they bring to the stage are major draws, it’s the venue itself that continues to enchant me. Theatre officials have announced the return of their monthly backstage tours.

The first tours of the year are set for January 13 and 23. Each tour begins at 11:30am, and tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids.

 learn the Theatre’s secrets, stories, art and architecture and witness its historic restoration efforts with a “balcony to backstage” tour of Tampa’s 97-year-old movie palace. The 90-minute tour will kick off in the lobby at 11:30am and include a demonstration of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.

As one of “America’s Best Historic Movie Theaters” (Fodor’s) and one of the “10 Most Beautiful Cinemas in the World” (BBC), Tampa Theatre opens its doors several times a month for tours of the historic landmark. 

These tours do sell out, so please consider buying your tickets in advance, either online or in person at the historic Franklin Street Box Office. Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N Franklin Street.

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