One day, we’re going to read about the coronavirus pandemic in a history book. That hypothetical page isn’t written yet, but the Tampa Bay History Center (TBHC) is inviting folks back to its celebration of history starting 10 a..m. on Monday, June 1.
That’s when the facility—located at 801 Water St. in downtown Tampa—reopens to the public with reduced capacity and temporarily reduced ticket prices.
“We understand the historic nature of this pandemic and the dramatic effect it has had locally and across the nation,” TBHC President and CEO C.J. Roberts wrote in a release. “We also understand the importance of sharing our community’s stories, how learning about our common past can help to inform both the present and our future.”
The opening follows recommendations from the American Alliance of Museums, is in accordance with state guidelines, and in adherence with CDC recommendations. Safety measures include:
- Limiting capacity in galleries and theater presentations
- Masks required for all TBHC associates and front-of-house staff
- Online-only ticketing
- Temporary closure of certain hands-on exhibitions
- A regular schedule for cleaning and disinfecting high-traffic areas
The press release also says that adult admissions are temporarily reduced by $2 to $12.95. Military, first responders, students and youth ages 7-17 pay $10.05 Kids six and under are free.
The release says timed-entry tickets should be purchased in advance at tampabayhistorycenter.org; tickets go on sale beginning Friday, May 22.
Manny Leto, TBHC's Director of Marketing and Communications, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that right now, the history center is looking at a 75-person capacity every two hours. Leto added that ticket times will be 10 a.m.-noon, noon-2 p.m. and 2 p.m.-4 p.m. He also reiterated the advance online purchase of tickets.
"Technically, someone could purchase a ticket on their phone while standing at our Visitor Services desk. But, if we're at capacity for that time slot, they would have to wait for the next one," Leto told CL. "If they show up at 2, the last session of the day, and we're sold out for that session, we would not be able to accommodate them on that day. So, advance purchasing is strongly recommended."
Still, Leto added, if someone is unable to purchase a ticket online, and TBHC has availability, the Visitor Services staff could assist them.
Of note is that the Columbia Café, located on the patio of the history center, opens in accordance with CDC guidelines, on May 20.
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This article appears in May 14-20, 2020.