darkpaisley says it's a Bromleiad ...Vriesea Splendens (a.k.a. FLAMING SWORD). Bromleiads like lots of direct sunlight. During growing season, you want to keep the tube bit of center of the plant full of water. During the winter, just don't let it dry out. It's from Venezuela.
(She's got her books spread out around her and singing "plants are cool!")