Discover how the Tampa Museum of Art Centennial Expansion will reshape Tampa’s cultural landscape with new galleries, dog parks, and riverfront spaces.

BY ARTCENTRON ART NEWS

TAMPA, FLORIDA – The Tampa Museum of Art is taking bold steps into its future with the launch of its Centennial Expansion. This transformative initiative will double the museum’s size and cultural impact. Beginning August 2025, early site work will commence with the relocation of the Tampa Dog Run at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This move sets the stage for full-scale construction to begin later in the fall, culminating in a formal groundbreaking celebration scheduled for October 2025.

According to Michael Tomor, the Penny and Jeff Vinik Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art, “This milestone is the beginning of a new chapter. We’re not just building a structure; we’re creating an inviting, inclusive space that embodies Tampa’s passion for art and culture.”

Transforming Public Spaces: Redesigned Dog Parks

As part of the expansion, the museum is making significant investments in public amenities, starting with the development of two new urban dog parks. These redesigned spaces will be located between Curtis Hixon Park and Kiley Gardens and will feature separate areas for small and large dogs. The space will cater to downtown Tampa’s growing residential population.

Construction of the dog parks is estimated to take four to five months.  Completion is expected by the end of 2025. Importantly, there will be no disruption to existing dog park services during this transition. The availability of the dog park will ensure continued access for pet owners until the new facilities open.

Benefits of the New Dog Parks:

• Larger, safer play areas for dogs
• More accessible for downtown residents
• Designed with urban landscape in mind
• No disruption to the existing park until the new one opens

The visionary design comes from WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism, the award-winning New York-based firm responsible for notable projects like Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park in NYC. Their design approach seamlessly blends art, landscape, and urban functionality, aligning perfectly with Tampa’s evolving urban fabric.

A $100M Vision: Historic Philanthropy and Public Support

The Centennial Expansion project, first announced in November 2021, is being managed by The Beck Group. It represents a massive 77,904-square-foot growth for the museum. At the heart of the expansion lies the Centennial Campaign, a fundraising and endowment effort.

The project’s lead donor, real estate developer and philanthropist Dick Corbett, contributed a record-breaking $28 million—the largest private donation ever given to a public art museum in Florida—reinforcing the expansion’s significance and credibility.

Contributions from individuals, corporate sponsors, the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the State of Florida have raised over $100 million to date. The crusade continues to offer naming opportunities, including for the new dog park. This is allowing community members to leave a legacy in this historic transformation.

Cornelia Corbett, the campaign chairwoman, reflected on the moment: “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about building a future where the Tampa Museum of Art serves as a world-class destination and a dynamic space for the Tampa Bay community.”

Tampa Museum of Art Centennial Expansion Future Design

The expansion will redefine how the museum engages with its visitors and the surrounding city. The new structure will resemble a crystalline pier, extending gracefully toward the Hillsborough River. This architectural marvel will house:

• A 150-seat auditorium for lectures and performances
• A stylish art lounge and café dining area
• A large, flexible event space
• A potential rooftop venue offering scenic views and cultural programming
• Outdoor sculpture gardens and art installations, connecting with the Tampa Riverwalk</li>

These additions aim to create a multifunctional, immersive environment that supports diverse artistic expressions and serves as a catalyst for downtown Tampa’s cultural renaissance.

Community-Focused Construction: Maintaining Public Access

Despite the scale of the project, public accessibility remains a priority. The ongoing construction will not interfere with access to the Tampa Riverwalk or the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation office. In addition, public restrooms will remain open during the construction period.

The relocation and expansion of the dog park will do more than improve community infrastructure. It will also reflect the museum’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability in public space design.

About Weiss/Manfredi: Visionaries in Art and Urban Design

Founded by Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, WEISS/MANFREDI is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of design by integrating architecture, landscape, and urban planning. The firm has earned accolades such as the 2024 Louis I. Kahn Award and the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Architecture.

Their proven success with integrating public amenities and fine art environments makes them ideal for this ambitious, community-focused expansion.

WEISS/MANFREDI extensive portfolio includes iconic works like:

• Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle
• Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden Visitor Center
• Lincoln Center’s new outdoor theater
• U.S. Embassy in New Delhi

Their most recent publication, Drifting Symmetries (2025), showcases their groundbreaking work. They include upcoming contributions to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.

The Tampa Museum of Art’s Legacy and Future

Founded in 1920, the Tampa Museum of Art is a cultural cornerstone of downtown Tampa. It boasts one of the most important collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the southeastern United States. This is in addition to a vibrant array of modern and contemporary art in various media. They range from painting and sculpture to textiles and digital media.

With the Vinik Family Education Center at its core, the museum delivers year-round educational programming, lectures, and outreach initiatives. The institution’s commitment to art therapy-informed programs and creative learning ensures it remains an inclusive space for all ages and backgrounds.

The Centennial Expansion follows a 2023 renovation that modernized the museum’s current facilities. The new construction, launching in fall 2025, will more than double the museum’s size. This massive new presence will solidify its role as a beacon of art, education, and innovation for generations to come.

Tampa Museum of Art Centennial Expansion

The Tampa Museum of Art’s Centennial Expansion is more than a building project. It’s a bold investment in the future of Tampa Bay’s cultural identity. With visionary architecture, inclusive public spaces, and record-setting philanthropic support, the museum is poised to elevate its status as a premier destination for art, education, and community engagement. As ground breaks in fall 2025, the city will witness the transformation of its iconic waterfront into a dynamic cultural campus. The new environment will reflect the spirit, diversity, and creative energy of Tampa itself.

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