Income Generating Spaces

In addition to endowment support, the sustainability plan involves the additional income-generation activities that the expanded and renovated building space will allow. The quadrupled education space will allow for more revenue through tuition and tours. Expanding the exhibition spaces will draw an additional 50,000 visitors, increasing general admission. More visitors, along with more retail space in the store, will mean more merchandise sales.

The new expansion significantly increases the Museum’s special events and food services capacity. The new lobby has the potential to accommodate different types of events, which can spill out to the expanded terrace and engage the park. The design sets a waterfront café with outdoor seating on the western front of the lobby, easily accessible from the Riverwalk. For lecture attendees, the mezzanine becomes the primary entry for the 150-seat auditorium that overlooks the Hillsborough River. This auditorium will host talks, film screenings, performances, and educational programs.

The most significant income increase will result from our new rentals and food and beverage commissions. Additional event space will also allow us to expand our fundraising events, allowing for more ticket sales and sponsorships. A rooftop event space and terrace that provides panoramic vistas of Tampa will top the new expansion. An indoor event space opens up directly onto the exterior roof terrace—a place for art, cocktails, performances, and gatherings.

The new building footprint goes beyond aligning with the Museum’s strategic plan of expanding public and education programming for the community. With the new business model for the reconfigured space, the Museum will meet, and in some cases exceed, national averages of support and revenue, establishing Tampa’s cultural legacy for generations to come.