For all the elaborate detailing on the facade of the Henry B. Plant Museum, I was disappointed with the interior. Most of the detailing has been lost, with only echoes of the past grandeur. It’s a real shame. I explored the building and captured some of the more interesting old-world items that remained.

The actual museum only occupies a small portion of the once grand hotel. Most of the building appears to be administrative and academic space for the University of Tampa. I wondered if that was one of the reasons for the paring back of the original details.

Asking ChatGPT, it indicated the interior was remodeled after the conversion to an academic building in 1933. The decorative elements were taken down or covered up, and the ornate ceilings and moldings were replaced with utilitarian materials. In addition, much of the Gilded Age furnishings were lost.

I found nicely carved work on the stair banisters and railings. However, you can see that the actual flooring is now utilitarian.

The main entrance features the most elaborate room, complete with statues and columns. I have a keen interest in architecture, so I notice these details or the lack of them in this case. I wonder if the general public would even notice.

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