A Old Tub

I so dislike this claw foot tub. I know it is old and special and blah blah blah but I dislike it. 

It is too small for me to fit into and the outside looks dirty. So I am thinking of painting the base a fun color. Maybe something that matches the walls. 

I honestly want to rip it out and the other part of me wants to make it the center piece of the room. What would you do? 

Pamela