Tampa Theatre’s Second Century Campaign
An invitation from Tampa Theatre’s President & CEO
For nearly a century Tampa Theatre has stood as a magnificent beacon of light for art, culture and community in the heart of downtown Tampa. Since 1926, It has been a living piece of our city’s history and a cherished gathering place for generations of Tampa residents.
Today, we need your support to ensure Tampa Theatre’s preservation and continued vibrancy for decades to come. The Second Century Campaign is a critical opportunity to restore, enhance, and protect this irreplaceable cultural landmark.
Tampa Theatre is much more than bricks and mortar. It’s a sanctuary of storytelling, a place where memories are made, where art comes alive, and where our community gathers to celebrate humanity. Your generosity today will help us write the next chapter of this institution’s story.
Join us to preserve, protect, restore, and expand this rare community treasure as we embark on Tampa Theatre’s second century, transformed into an even more vibrant, creative, and unique gathering place than ever before.
Sincerely,
George Levesque
About the Campaign
Our goal is to fully restore Tampa Theatre in time for our 100th anniversary in October of 2026. Beginning in 2026, we will invest in four key areas to offer visitors a dazzling, immersive experience within a unique cultural gem that will be a source of civic pride for years to come.
As part of the first phase of the campaign, which totals $24.5 million, Tampa Theatre will fully and authentically restore the historic Duncan Auditorium to its original grandeur. To complete this work, 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. During construction, the John T. Taylor Screening Room will remain open for films and events, so our community and members will still have access to Tampa Theatre throughout the renovation.
Follow our construction and renovation progress through the online photo gallery.
Authentic Decorative Restoration of Public Spaces
We will fully restore all public spaces to their original grandeur as architect John Eberson intended. As a vital film and cultural hub, the theatre reflects our community’s deep-rooted pride in history and the arts – values that define our historic theatre.
Technology & Accessibility
Beneath the historic decorative finishes, Tampa Theatre will replace outdated systems and embed state-of-the-art technology to enhance film and live events. New equipment and fiber networks will make Tampa Theatre an attractive location for live broadcasts and streaming events. Access for patrons with disabilities will be prioritized with assistive devices, brand-new ADA restrooms and easier navigation throughout the building.
Infrastructure Improvements & Sustainability
A new HVAC system will greatly reduce energy costs while providing superior comfort and air quality. Leaky pipes and plumbing will be replaced throughout, and new electrical and lighting systems will control operating costs. All of this will ensure efficient and sustainable building operations for our next century of service.
Transformation & Expansion
We will transform and expand into new public programming spaces including the John T. Taylor Screening Room, our 43-seat state-of-the-art micro cinema, and a two-story education wing, which will repurpose 3,600 square feet of underutilized space to create year-round education opportunities. These improvements will increase the theatre’s ability to provide artistic, educational, and community programming.
Community Impact
Tampa Theatre is one of the area’s defining buildings and an undeniable economic driver.
In an average year, Tampa Theatre:
The Second Century Campaign will position Tampa Theatre as an innovative cultural cornerstone and economic catalyst for downtown Tampa. Support for this campaign is an investment in Downtown Tampa’s economic community development and is a critical investment in Tampa’s heritage and future.
Get Involved
Countless members of our community have been an important part of writing the Tampa Theatre story, and the of our next chapter will be shaped by your support. Contributions at every level are greatly appreciated and impactful.
There are many ways to support Tampa Theatre’s Second Century Campaign including one-time gifts, stock transfers, multi-year pledges, and more.
The Second Century Campaign invites supporters at every level to join us in safeguarding this iconic institution. To make a gift and learn more about naming opportunities and other ways to give, please contact Laura LeBlanc Corry, laura@tampatheatre.org or 813.397.8697