Cinema in the Sunshine State

Before Hollywood became the center of the movie industry, filmmakers were already setting up cameras in Florida.
Opening Sept. 19 at the Tampa Bay History Center, Cinema in the Sunshine State explores more than a century of filmmaking across Florida through more than 50 original artifacts. See rare film ephemera, 1920s theater projectors, Edison-period cameras, Tampa Theatre marquee letters and other objects gathered from institutions throughout the state.
The exhibition traces Florida’s film history from the arrival of motion picture cameras in the late 1890s to memorable productions featuring Tarzan, Esther Williams and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Visitors will discover how Jacksonville became an early center of American filmmaking and how Florida’s warm climate, natural landscapes and distinctive communities helped attract generations of filmmakers.
The exhibition also celebrates the Tampa Theatre during its centennial year. Original furnishings, blueprints and architectural elements reveal the craftsmanship behind one of the Tampa Bay area’s most recognizable landmarks.
Whether you love classic movies, Florida history, graphic design or historic theaters, Cinema in the Sunshine State offers a new look at the people, places and promotional art that helped shape the movies Americans remember.
Cinema in the Sunshine State will be on exhibit in the Wayne Thomas Gallery from Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, through Sunday, March 21, 2027. The Tampa Bay History Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 801 Water St. in Tampa.