It’s been, um, unprecedented levels of hot this summer in Tampa Bay — like a record-breaking 100° a couple weeks ago. So why not use this opportunity to check off some air-conditioned items off your TBAY bucket list?
Inspired by this incredible piece from Cultured about escaping NYC’s heat (which pales compares to ours), we reached out to some of our local museums to see how cold they keep their AC, so you know where to go to chill out:
- Temperature: 70°
- Current exhibition: Outside In: New Murals Inspired by Dalí
We recommend: Immerse yourself in 360° of futuristic and retro designs while listening to all 42-minutes of “The Dark Side of the Moon” in The Dalí Dome. No, Roger Waters does not have a Dalí connection — that we know of.
- Temperature: 72°
- Current exhibition: Mapping the American Sea
We recommend: Take a peek at 1,000+ Tampa cigar industry-related items, like cigar-making tools and advertisements in the museum’s permanent collection. We’re really amped about the “The Lure of Florida Fishing” exhibit which opens later this month.
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
- Temperature: 72°
- Current exhibitions: Here For Now, 2025 International Photography Competition
We recommend: The Ybor institution hosts an impressive slate of classes like From Lens to Layers: Collage for Photographers, Photography 101, Street Photography, and Understanding Directors. Plus, you can meet other photogs (and budding photogs) at the new Photo Club, or get a headshot taken.
- Temperature: 72°
- Current exhibition: Let’s See
We recommend: Character appearances, a set by DJ Catnip, and more cat-themed fun at Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days this Saturday, Aug. 16 + Sunday, Aug. 17.
