TAMPA BAY WAS was once 14 times its present size, and the city has a rich and vivid cultural history that predates the Jamestown settlement and the Plymouth colony by 80 to 90 years. With a mandate to encapsulate and celebrate the advanced aboriginal civilizations, exploits of conquistadors and evidence of American pioneer life, the Tampa Bay History Center opened late last year in the downtown Cultural Arts District.

Exhibits of recorded history depict almost 500 years early life, while galleries, a research centre, a second-floor library, interactive activities, shows and theatre span through the 60,000 square feet that make up the Center.

Also worth noting is the fact that the History Center is the Hillsborough County government’s first “green” building, making use of recycled construction materials, natural sunlight, automated systems and a restored waterfront.
 
The Tampa Bay History Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Admission: Adults, US$12; Seniors (65+), youths (13 to17) and students with ID, US$10; Children (4 to 12), US$7.