2022
The Sunken Gardens History Center opened. Our History Center has taken thousands of guests back in time to experience the many exciting eras of Sunken Gardens’ history. Its colorful images, fascinating videos, and surprising stories continue to bring our past to life in meaningful ways for guests of all ages.
In keeping with its historic legacy, Sunken Gardens created the History Center in its original 1940 entrance and gift shop, a building that had more recently housed the Garden’s tropical birds at night. The birds now have new nighttime accommodations and the building has been restored. Exhibits showcase Sunken Gardens’ important role during the era of Old Florida roadside attractions. It highlights the legacy of the Turner family who created and ran the Gardens for almost 100 years over three generations.
Funding for this endeavor was provided by a grant from the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, Sunken Gardens Forever Foundation, Penny for Pinellas, and the City of St. Petersburg.