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Tampa Museum of Art Expansion: A New Era for Tampa’s Cultural Landscape

On July 31, 2025, the Tampa Museum of Art took significant strides toward its ambitious Centennial Expansion project. With construction set to commence in the fall, this initiative marks a transformative phase for both the Museum and the surrounding community. The initial steps began with the relocation of the Tampa Dog Run at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, making way for the museum’s new spatial layout.

Michael Tomor, the Executive Director of the museum, emphasized the project as crucial to fostering spaces that mirror the community’s appreciation for the arts. The Centennial Expansion aims not only to enhance the museum’s offerings but also to celebrate its 100-year legacy in downtown Tampa.

The relocation of the dog park is expected to take about four to five months, concluding in late 2025, and will ensure that both small and large dogs have dedicated areas, significantly improving accessibility for downtown residents. WEISS/MANFREDI, a New York-based architectural firm famous for innovative designs such as New York City’s Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park, is spearheading the museum's expansion.

Funding and Community Support

The expansive project, announced in November 2021, is a vital part of the Centennial Campaign, aiming to raise substantial funds for construction and maintenance of the museum. The project will cover 77,904 square feet, funded largely through a historic $28 million lead gift from local real estate developer Dick Corbett, marking it as the largest private donation ever received by a public art museum in Florida.

In total, the campaign has garnered over $100 million in donations from various sources, including individuals, families, corporations, and government entities from the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the State of Florida. The fundraising efforts will continue, with naming opportunities emerging for the newly designed dog park as well.

Cornelia Corbett, the Campaign Chairwoman, expressed her excitement about witnessing the tangible steps toward a world-class museum, highlighting how the expansion would greatly benefit the Tampa Bay community.

Design and Features

The expansion's design envisions a crystalline structure that flows seamlessly toward the river, creating interconnected spaces for artistic and cultural engagement. The new facilities will include:

• - A 150-seat auditorium
• - An art lounge
• - Food services and dining areas
• - Versatile event spaces
• - A proposed rooftop area

This multi-faceted approach will yield versatile environments conducive to various art and cultural programming. Additionally, the design will place new outdoor sculptures in public areas, enhancing the aesthetic and experiential quality of Curtis Hixon Park and the Tampa Riverwalk.

Access to the Riverwalk and nearby parks will remain unaffected during construction, ensuring that local residents and visitors can still enjoy these public spaces. Public restrooms will also continue to be available, mitigating any disruptions during the expansion phase.

About the Tampa Museum of Art

Since its founding in 1920, the Tampa Museum of Art has been a cornerstone of cultural and educational resources in downtown Tampa. The Museum celebrates a remarkable collection that features significant Greek and Roman antiquities alongside contemporary art. Its educational programs, fostered through the Vinik Family Education Center, aim to engage the community with various classes and lectures designed for all ages.

As the Museum embarks on its ambitious Centennial Campaign, the anticipation builds toward a brighter future, aiming to double the size of its facilities, which will ultimately allow for more comprehensive galleries and enhanced learning experiences for generations to come.

For more details about the museum's offerings and the expansion project, you can visit TampaMuseum.org or call (813) 274-8130. The museum is located at 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursdays until 8 p.m..