Tampa Theater Marks Century After $24.5 Million Restoration

Tampa Theatre completed its first century of operation with a 1920s-themed celebration on October 15. The event took place at the venue located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa.

The theater opened its doors on October 15, 1926. Architect John Eberson designed the building in an atmospheric style meant to resemble a Mediterranean courtyard. The interior features a ceiling with twinkling stars and a 1,400-pipe Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. The structure also holds the distinction of being Tampa’s first commercial building with air conditioning.

Organizers recreated elements of the original opening night for the anniversary festivities. Guests participated in swing dancing and listened to live jazz. The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra provided musical accompaniment for a screening of Buster Keaton’s silent comedy Sherlock Jr. The program concluded with a performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, a piece included in the theater’s initial run.

The milestone arrives after the completion of a $24.5 million restoration project. The work aimed to preserve the historic character of the building while updating it for future use. The 1,238-seat Duncan Auditorium underwent extensive repairs. Workers restored original plaster, cleaned decorative elements, and preserved historic fixtures. The project also included updates to backstage rigging, infrastructure, and HVAC systems.

Construction of a new 3,000-square-foot Jackie Price Education Center was part of the renovation. This space will host year-round educational programming and events. The theater had previously undergone a preservation effort in the 1970s. Local citizens and city leaders worked together to save the building from demolition during that period.

That earlier community support helped transform the venue into the nonprofit cultural organization it remains today. The theater currently hosts movies, concerts, comedy shows, and special events. The 100th anniversary marks the start of its second century of service to the Tampa community.

The venue continues to serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors. The restored spaces are now available for regular use. The centennial events concluded on October 15, leaving the theater ready for its upcoming schedule of programs.