Tampa Theatre

The Tampa Theatre is a masterwork of 1920s atmospheric theatre design by renowned architect John Eberson.

Blending Florida Spanish and Italian Renaissance influences, Eberson envisioned the auditorium as a Mediterranean garden beneath an open sky—complete with Spanish courtyards, Italian columns and plasterwork, and French garden elements, all inspired by the colors of Florida’s natural landscape. Designed to reflect the region’s rich Spanish-Italian heritage, the theatre remains one of the most intact examples of Eberson’s work.

The Theatre is undergoing a major restoration to fully and authentically restore the historic Duncan Auditorium to its original grandeur, timed to coincide with its 100th anniversary in October 2026.

To support this effort, EverGreene conducted a comprehensive paint analysis to uncover original finishes and guide an accurate, efficient restoration process. In collaboration with DLR Group, EverGreene has played a key role in preserving and revitalizing the theatre’s historic interiors, restoring plasterwork and preserving and recreating the theater’s original decorative paint and finishes.

Building on extensive experience with Eberson theaters, EverGreene has carefully reinstated the architect’s signature decorative schemes—including polychromy and intricate stenciling. Using archival photographs, our team recreated the auditorium’s elaborate valance drapery, restored decorative plasterwork and statuary, and conserved key interior elements.

In the lobby, EverGreene also recreated six original faux tapestries that had been severely damaged, returning them to their original appearance and significance within the theatre’s design.