Tampa Theatre
711 Franklin Street,
Tampa,
FL
33672
711 Franklin Street,
Tampa,
FL
33672
35 people
favorited this theater
The Tampa Theatre opened October 15, 1926, designed by theatre architect John Eberson as a Florida Mediterranean Atmospheric style theatre. Audiences were transported to a lavish, romantic Mediterranean courtyard, replete with old world statuary, flowers and gargoyles. Over all is a night-time sky, replete with twinkling stars and floating clouds.
The Tampa Theatre ‘Mighty Wurlitzer’ is a magnificent 3Manual/14Rank instrument maintained by the Central Florida Theater Organ Society.
In the 1940’s, the Tampa Theatre was operated by Paramount Pictures Inc. through their subsidiary E.J. Sparks. This wonderous movie palace almost faced the wrecking ball. After almost fifty years of top notch films, the Tampa Theatre was forced to eke out an existence by showing ‘B’ movies. By 1973, the Tampa Theatre was closed. People and government rallied to save the Tampa. The theatre was then donated to the city. In 1977, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places and reopened following an extensive restoration.
The Tampa Theatre presents art films, classic films, concerts and other performances. There are usually tours every month. Eberson’s magic lives on.
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Recent comments (view all 169 comments)
I visisted the Polk several years ago and was lucky enough to have been given the grand tour by the projectionist himself. The main seating level is slightly larger than the Tampa although the theatre itself is not quite as elegant but comes very close. The booth had just been cleaned and repainted and still had the old set-up with two projectors that had recently been refurbished and cleaned. The top and lower magazines where still in place and both machines were massive looking. Last I heard the Polk continues to run classic films every so often. Trivia: Elvis performed onstage at the Polk in the late 1950s. Mike, If you ever make it back down a visit to the Polk is in store for you!
You know Nick. Lord Willing I really do want to get back down there,Most likely just me the next time.I would love to see 2001 there.
April 7 1963.The Tampa Theatre is finishing a long run on"COME FLY WITH ME".Coming next was “THE BIRDS”.
I have an extra special regard for the Tampa Theatre as I am blessed to be able to play the magnificent WurliTzer theatre organ before some of the movies. Sitting at the organ console and riding it up through the stage opening with the multicolord spot lights shining on it is a fantastic rush. To realize that I am sitting on the same organ bench that some of the most famous theatre organists including our beloved Rosa Rio has sat, playing it is an honor. The organ is carefully and lovingly cared for by the Central Florida Theatre Organ Society members. If you have not yet paid a visit to the “Tampa” as we call her, you must come.
Chaz,I loved my visit.Grabbed a few T-shirts,the movie you guys were playing was a sing along to “Mary Poppins',I couldn’t handle that but it was a great tour,thanks for all you do for the folks in Tampa.
than mumble mouth Brando in the “Godfather”,Hands down.Glad i decide to check out the Tampa,got any more Goodies? Sabila Para Adelgazar
The early photo’s show a orchestra pit, but now it appears it has been covered over with a stage thrust. When was that done and I wonder if there are any plans to uncover it? Georgious theatre…
When I was at the Tampa Theatre I didn’t know that there had been an orchestra pit though realize now that a theatre of that era would most certainly have had one. Do hope plans are made to uncover that area and use it once again as an orchestra pit for live productions!
The orchestra pit no longer exists. Sometime after the grand reopening in 1977 the stage that sat over the pit was completely torn out. It was replaced with the current stage which was constructed a little higher than the original one had been. It was also built outward at the center very slightly extending just a little more towards the audience.
I had a chance to see the orchestra pit after the stage had been torn out and the new one was being built. The floor of the pit had been excavated and enlarged somewhat. The huge beams that support the stage now sit in the foundation of what was once the orchestra pit.
You can see both stages under the photos tab. The first two photos show the screen that sat on the old stage. Compare these photo with the more recent one showing the current stage without the screen. Notice how the stage is slighlty higher and extends a little more outward at the center.
Thanks Nick.Miss you.Terry and I are putting alot of theatres onFB.I enjoyed my TOUR of the Tampa, Guess you got the letter on the Miller.