Tampa Firefighters Museum

Museum · Government Center District

Tampa Firefighters Museum

Museum · Government Center District

720 E Zack St, Tampa, FL 33602

Highlights

Former fire station with hands-on exhibits, vintage trucks, gift shop

720 E Zack St, Tampa, FL 33602 Get directions

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Housed in a beautifully restored 1911 firehouse, this nonprofit museum offers free admission and vivid exhibits on local firefighting history. Hours are limited midweek, but the experience is deeply Tampa and family-friendly.

https://www.tampafirefightersmuseum.org/visit-us

Free Attractions in Tampa (2025)

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Housed in 1911’s Old Fire Station No. 1, this volunteer-led nonprofit preserves local firefighting history and teaches safety. Hours are limited but current on the museum’s site. It’s intimate, heartfelt, and rooted in civic pride.

https://www.tampafirefightersmuseum.org/visit-us

Best Attractions in Tampa (2025)

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For families seeking something different, the Tampa Firefighters Museum earns frequent nods from local parenting guides and culture writers. Housed in a restored 1911 fire station, this nonprofit museum tells the story of Tampa’s fire service through hands-on displays, vintage trucks, and educational programs. Kids can try on gear and explore authentic equipment, while parents appreciate the museum’s preservation of local history.

Tampa’s Most Authentic Family-Friendly Experiences: A Local’s Curated Guide

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Danielle Spano

Google

Awesome museum! Our experience was amazing from the moment we walked intot he museum, Ken greeted us at the door and walked us through the whole museum taking the time to teach my daughters about everything! Everyone who worked at there was super nice and the gift shop with all department shirts was hard to pass up! I completely recommend this as a stop for all ages!

Tangella Pilcher (Tan)

Google

It was the cutest place ever! I really enjoyed the space for our Hillsborough High School 34-year Class Reunion - 10/26/24! Thank you, staff! ❤️🖤

John Hester

Google

While they didn't respond to the email or voice-mail about being open, we took the chance and stopped by after getting off the cruise. Cute museum that shows the history of the department and the Memorial Room was moving. Loved the store where each station has their coins and shirts for sale. Makes it so much easier than hitting up different ones. My only suggestion would be a Challend Coin wall where visitors can drop off their coins and leave a piece there Thanks!!

Denise F

Google

This museum is definitely worth the trip and one of the volunteers, Joy, was most helpful and informative. The museum Chronicles all the way back to the history of the Ybor city fires and the progressive molding of the Tampa fire fighter department. Admission is free but I definitely recommend a donation. They also have a gift shop with several trinkets and T-shirts.

Mr River

Google

This was a nice historical building. There are some kid themed areas to educate them on what to do to prevent fires and such. The old technology in the house shows how things used to be and now its just computers we use. There is a gift shop so anyone can buy things afterwards. Don't forget to donate money into the boot. Keeps the lights running.

# Amilikey

Google

A wonderful display of antique firefighter equipment and memorabilia. I loved their support for pediatric burn patients by holding the annual 5K fire Tampa run!!!! Overall, a great place to visit and come thank the firefighters of our city.

Casandra Struthers

Google

I didn’t actually get to spend time looking at the museum items as I was here for an event! I can say however what I did see was pretty neat and the upstairs is a great venue location. Enough parking right next to the building, enough space Inside to set everything up and still mingle!

Max Hotz

Google

The wife and I visit fire museums all over the USA. This one is small, but mighty. Very nicely done! I loved it!

Roz P.

Yelp

This space is very special. We did a performance to raise money on 9/11 last year and the people who worked there were absolutely amazing. The history of the museum is so cool. It's a treasure in and for Tampa. I highly recommend it to folks who enjoy hidden gems. Call first before you visit as it's run by volunteers and hours may vary.

Karen S.

Yelp

We went to this museum a few months ago and we loved it! The retired firefighters who volunteer their time here make all the difference! They are super knowledgeable and have first-hand stories to share. This is a great hands-on museum for children, as well. This former fire station is right across the street from Tampa Fire & Rescue Headquarters - which we had the opportunity to tour, as well. Did I mention that the museum is free? But donations are appreciated to support their mission. The museum is also available to rent for special events.

Ken S.

Yelp

My child and I greatly enjoyed our visit. While on the smaller side, it holds several Tampa-specific pieces of firefighting history. It was free, although donations are appreciated. They also have a really cool gift shop, although it wasn't open when we visited. My only critique is that the hours vary. You should definitely call to make sure it's open prior to visiting.

Bo W.

Yelp

FREE museum, what!?! This awesome museum is a work in progress, but still has tons of history to see. Entry to the museum costs you nothing, but they accept donations. The memorial dedication was humbling. I'm glad to see these heroes honored in this historical building. I've always known firefighters have a dangerous job, and this memorial is a reminder of the bravery of those who choose to put their lives at risk for the safety of others. It was truly an honor to be able to experience this piece of history.

Andy J.

Yelp

Planned today to take my kids. Checked the website numerous times and it said "open 10-2 days". We drove there, parked, Paid for parking and discovered it was open by appointment only for firefighters and families. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF THIS ON WEBSITE.

Nick S.

Yelp

Free. Cool. Fun history. Newer station across the street. Beautiful brick building. Built 1911. Fun to see how things were in the good ole days.

Carolyn H.

Yelp

This is a wonderful place for a child's birthday party. We had my three year old grandson's party here today with family and friends attending. Everyone had a great time. The facility is very nice and the staff was great. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a "cool" place to have a party this time of year.

Angela T.

Yelp

This has some great history of firehouses and firefighters in Tampa. The Gamewell System is fascinating. The Little Mack fire truck has been restored and is still used in parades in Tampa. Parking is street parking but was easy to find on the weekend. Go check it out...it's free, but there is a donation box.

Kevin H.

Yelp

Awesome Experience!! The Tampa Firefighters Museum was an awesome experience. It has a communication system called the Gamewell System that is just fascinating. I also enjoyed the restored open-air fire truck and historical gear. A friendly and informative docent gave me a comprehensive overview of the museum. He demonstrated the operation of the Gamewell System and showed me the Station Map. The staff was preparing for a wedding and reception here at the Museum. I enjoyed talking with the groom's mother about her firefighting family. Thank you so much.

Jennie M.

Yelp

The Tampa Firefighters museum is a wonderful place to host your next event. We held our daughter's graduation bash here and couldn't have asked for better accommodations. Nick was so helpful and really went out if his way to make us comfortable. It's so nice to have a facility, this rich in history, available to the community.