Brave Guests Will Explore the Haunted Basement of Tampa’s Former Exchange National Bank on Oct. 26 thru 29
Tampa’s premier night of elegant fear, The Vault of Souls returns for four dates on Oct. 26, 27, 28, 29. The spirits invite brave guests to join them at The Vault, Downtown Tampa’s lux event venue inside the 100- year-old Exchange National Bank. The hauntingly beautiful experience is the city’s most unique way for adults to revel in the ghostly essence of Halloween.
New this year, the veil between worlds is about to part again and The Vault welcomes additional sinister spirits inspired by the shadows of Tampa history. New additions include, The Ghostly Black Widow who was convicted of having her wealthy husband killed for the insurance money and The White Whale, who ran an illegal Bolita gambling ring and is rumored to have killed off his competitors. When guests dive into Tampa’s dark history, sometimes it’s simply “Black and White.”
At the helm of this incomparable experience is Scott Swenson, veteran haunt expert and creative mastermind behind some of the country’s leading haunts. From inspiration to installation, Swenson continues to elevate the darkly unique experience with three chilling realms of performance art.
“We continue to redefine the standards for this ominous Halloween tradition. With an array of novel performances and captivating entertainment, this marks our most paranormally petrifying year to date,” said Scott Swenson, Creative Director. “We are delving further into Tampa’s history and each corner holds even more spine-tingling surprises. From the eerily enchanting arrival into the interactive abyss below to a mysterious new realm that helps guests bridge the gap back to the world of the living – this year, we fully embrace the dark world that beckons.”
The Vault of Souls is a reservations-only haunted performance that transcends three unique venues. Guests enter through The Vault’s opulent marble lobby where they encounter a richly appointed cocktail bar, performance artists and supernatural surprises.
Daring guests will explore the underground and face challenges where clues will guide the fortunate back to the physical world. . As guests descend to the labyrinth, they will encounter trapped spirits below who may help or hinder their progress. Every journey is unique and exclusive to each guest – if they can’t finish the sinister quest, they’ll join the forgotten souls and be trapped in the vault for eternity.
New this year, Guests who have ventured into The Vault of Souls before may request a more difficult “Darker Secrets Pass.” This return path to the light will require them to build upon their knowledge from previous years.
Devilish delights and intoxicating elixirs will delight all palates. Maria Lola Sierra, Head Chef of CW’s Gin Joint has created a dark and decadent menu with appetizers and desserts. Innovative mixologists at CW’s Gin Joint have mixed up signature cocktail concoctions including The Bolita Gambler – a mixed berry ‘moonshine’ with black sparkles.
Those lucky enough to escape can enjoy a new mysterious realm and indulge in coffee, aperitifs, accouterments, and sinfully alluring entertainment, and intimate tarot card readings.
Guests must be age 18 or older. Reservations go on sale Sept. 7 and start at $125.00. Reservations include the performance, appetizers, desserts, and welcome drink.
ABOUT THE VAULT PRESENTS
The Vault Presents is a bespoke event series produced by The Vault, Downtown Tampa’s lux event venue inside the 100-year-old Exchange National Bank on Franklin Street, owned and managed by The Wilson Company. This is one of several projects in The Wilson Company’s ongoing efforts dedicated to historic revitalization, and the preservation and restoration of urban spaces in downtown Tampa. Located in the heart of Tampa’s Downtown Arts District, The Vault combines elegant architecture with a contemporary feel. The event series includes The Vault of Souls, The Crystal Ball, and The Vault of Dreams.
