TAMPA – Tampa Theatre announced progress on its Second Century Campaign: a $30 million capital initiative to restore, enhance and expand the landmark as it approaches its centennial on Oct. 15.
The campaign, which is focused on preservation, education and enhanced patron experiences, will ensure Tampa Theatre continues to thrive as a hub for arts, entertainment and community engagement.
As part of the first phase of the campaign, which totals $24.5 million, Tampa Theatre will restore the historic Duncan Auditorium to its original grandeur. The Duncan Auditorium will be closed March 10 through the end of September for infrastructure upgrades, restoration of the decorative paint and plaster, and preservation of its original fixtures and furnishings.
Other priorities for the first phase include:
- Opening the John T. Taylor Screening Room, a 43-seat microcinema adjoining the historic lobby, in June 2024, creating an intimate space for first-run films and ensuring that film fans will have access to Tampa Theatre even as the historic auditorium undergoes restoration.
- Renovating underutilized space on the Florida Avenue side of the building to create a new, two-story education wing that will house permanent classrooms and archival storage for year-round learning opportunities in partnership with the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and others.
President and CEO John Bell described the Second Century Campaign as a “transformational investment in our community’s cultural legacy.”
“By authentically restoring the historic Duncan Auditorium and expanding our capabilities through new spaces, we’re confident that Tampa Theatre will continue to educate, entertain, enlighten and unite people for generations to come,” Bell said.
Thanks to the generosity of the community and leadership gifts from Bank of America; Celia and Jim Ferman in memory of Martha Ferman; Bonnie S. Sonnenfeld; and John T. Taylor, the campaign is more than 93% of the way toward its first-phase goal.
Significant public funding has been provided by the City of Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida as well as the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.
Visit tampatheatre.org/secondcentury to make a donation or learn more about naming opportunities and other ways to give.
