In October 1926, Paramount Pictures opened the gates to a Mediterranean-style fantasy world in downtown Tampa. Now the landmark Tampa Theatre celebrated its official Centennial following an ambitious, seven-month, $24.5 million restoration.
Designed by legendary “atmospheric” architect John Eberson, the theater was created to make moviegoers feel as though they were watching a film inside a romantic European courtyard beneath a starry night sky. A century later, this landmark underwent Phase 1 of its Second Century Campaign, returning the venue to its original 1926 grandeur while upgrading its technology for the next generation.
The Phase 1 budget includes $14M from Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), FL Dept. of State, Hillsborough County, and private donors.