For those who love to explore the past and immerse themselves in diverse cultures, Key West, Florida, is a true gem. Known for its beautiful sunsets, artsy vibe and eclectic lifestyle, Key West is also a place where history and culture blend seamlessly. This guide will introduce you to some of the top museums in Key West, each showcasing a different aspect of the island’s heritage.
Truman Little White House
History
Originally built in 1890 as quarters for naval officers, the Truman Little White House gained prominence when President Harry S. Truman selected it as his winter retreat in 1946. Truman returned often, using it as a working vacation spot and holding key meetings with advisors and officials. This house witnessed decisions that influenced national and global policies, giving it a unique place in American history. Since becoming a museum in Key West in 1991, it has drawn visitors curious to learn about Truman’s time here.
Things To Do
Take a guided tour to discover stories of Truman’s presidency and the significance of his time spent in Key West. On these tours, you’ll gain unique insights into the historic decisions made here and understand why Truman returned so often. Outside, the lush tropical gardens surrounding the house provide a serene setting, with various native plants enhancing the historical charm of the area.
Within this Key West museum, you’ll find an impressive collection of memorabilia from Truman’s time, each artifact offering a glimpse into his life and presidency. This museum in Key West also hosts special events and lectures that delve into the legacy of Truman’s leadership, providing context for his policies and their influence on the modern world. Finally, the scenic porch of the house offers a lovely view of Key West’s waterfront, giving you a sense of the peaceful retreat that Truman valued so much.
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
History
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, built in 1851 in the Spanish Colonial style, became Hemingway’s primary residence in the 1930s. Hemingway moved here during a pivotal period in his career, writing some of his most famous works, including To Have and Have Not. Designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1968, the museum in Key West now preserves Hemingway’s legacy, with rooms carefully maintained as they were during his life.
Things To Do
Exploring the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum allows you to step into Hemingway’s world by walking through the rooms he once occupied. The home, preserved with care, contains original furniture, Hemingway’s writing desk, and various memorabilia from his life, offering a tangible connection to his daily life and work.
As you tour this museum in Key West, you’ll discover displays detailing Hemingway’s creative process, exploring his writing techniques and inspirations that contributed to his literary success. Outside, the lush tropical gardens that surround the property are a sight to behold, filled with exotic plants and trees that add to the serene ambiance.
One of the unique features of the property is its population of six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway’s own pet cat, Snow White, who roam the grounds freely and add a touch of charm to the experience. Visitors can also take guided tours that provide in-depth insights into Hemingway’s life, the significance of the property and the impact of his work. After your tour, you can visit this Key West museum’s gift shop to browse a selection of Hemingway-themed books and souvenirs. The home’s beautifully preserved architecture and its lush surroundings offer ample opportunities for memorable photos, making it a truly special stop in Key West.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
History
Named after Mel Fisher, a famous treasure hunter, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum celebrates the world of maritime history and treasure hunting. Established in 1992, this Key West museum displays treasures from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sank in 1622. Fisher spent 16 years searching for the Atocha before discovering its riches, which included gold, silver and jewels.
Things To Do
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum provides a fascinating look at the treasures of the Atocha, including artifacts that reveal the ship’s storied past. As you explore, you’ll find a stunning collection of treasures that were once lost to the ocean, such as gold coins, intricate jewelry and navigational tools.
Interactive exhibits invite you to engage with the history of maritime exploration and treasure hunting, offering hands-on displays that bring the challenges of shipwreck recovery to life. The museum in Key West also hosts educational workshops, where you can learn about the techniques used in maritime archaeology and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of underwater exploration.
Documentary films tell the story of Mel Fisher’s journey to uncover the Atocha, sharing the trials and triumphs that defined his search. For an even richer experience, guided tours provide expert insights into the exhibits and delve into the historical context behind the artifacts on display. Each element of the museum in Key West combines to create a memorable experience, immersing you in the adventure of treasure hunting and the rich maritime history of Key West.
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum
History
Built in 1825, the Key West Lighthouse was essential in guiding sailors through challenging waters. After a hurricane destroyed the original lighthouse, it was rebuilt in 1848. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1969 but has since been preserved as a museum in Key West, celebrating the life of lighthouse keepers and their role in maritime navigation.
Things To Do
Climbing the Key West Lighthouse is an experience not to be missed, as the 88 steps lead you to a breathtaking view of Key West and the surrounding ocean. From the top, you’ll enjoy a unique perspective of the island, just as lighthouse keepers did in years past. Once you descend, take a tour of the Keeper’s Quarters, where the families who managed the lighthouse lived. The quarters are preserved with period furnishings and decor, providing insight into the lives of the keepers who dedicated themselves to maritime safety.
Throughout this museum in Key West, you’ll find informative exhibits detailing the history of the lighthouse, its construction, and the evolution of maritime navigation in the region.
Custom House Museum
History
The Custom House Museum, built between 1891 and 1892, was originally used to manage tariffs and customs duties for goods entering Key West. Designed in the Romanesque Revival architectural style, this building is celebrated for its intricate brickwork and terracotta detailing, which reflect the architectural trends of the late 19th century. The Custom House played a pivotal role in the economic growth of Key West, serving as a key location for the regulation of goods during a booming period for the port city. In 1999, after undergoing significant restoration, it was repurposed as a museum and cultural center, bringing local history and art to life.
Things To Do
Visitors to the Custom House Museum can explore a variety of historical exhibits that detail the economic, cultural and maritime history of Key West. You’ll find displays of artifacts related to Key West’s role in the shipwreck salvage industry, as well as exhibits featuring the customs and traditions that shaped the island. Admire the building’s unique architecture, with its stately arches and detailed brickwork, which provide a beautiful backdrop for the exhibits within.
The museum also hosts rotating art exhibitions from local artists, showcasing the vibrant art scene of the Florida Keys. Don’t miss the educational programs and guided tours that provide a deeper understanding of Key West’s development and the Custom House’s historical significance. For those who love research, the museum’s library offers access to a wealth of historical records and archives related to Key West, perfect for anyone interested in diving deeper into the island’s past.
Fort East Martello Museum
History
Fort East Martello was initially constructed during the Civil War as part of the coastal defense system for Key West. Though the fort was never completed due to financial and strategic constraints, it later served various military purposes before being abandoned. In the 1950s, local historians and preservationists transformed the fort into a museum to honor Key West’s military history and culture. Today, the Fort East Martello Museum showcases an array of exhibits, including military memorabilia, shipwreck artifacts, and even Robert the Doll, a famously eerie figure said to be haunted.
Things To Do
Exploring the Fort East Martello Museum is like stepping into a different era. Visitors can wander through the fort’s historic walls, where they’ll find exhibits detailing Key West’s military past and the role the fort played in the Civil War.
The museum’s collection includes an array of artifacts, from vintage weapons to personal items belonging to soldiers stationed in Key West. Art enthusiasts will enjoy installations by local folk artist Mario Sanchez, whose works provide insight into the cultural heritage of Key West.
For those interested in the paranormal, Robert the Doll is a must-see, with his chilling backstory drawing visitors from around the world. Additionally, Fort East Martello offers ghost tours, where guides share eerie tales associated with the fort’s history. Stroll around the fort’s grounds to take in the unique structure and atmosphere that make this museum in Key West one of the more unusual Key West museums.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
History
Opened in 2003, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory was established to promote butterfly conservation and to provide a sanctuary where visitors can appreciate these delicate creatures up close. The conservatory is set in a lush, tropical environment designed to mimic a natural habitat, complete with a waterfall, exotic plants and a variety of butterfly species from around the world. The conservatory’s mission extends beyond beauty, aiming to educate visitors about the importance of butterflies in ecosystems and the need for conservation.
Things To Do
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory offers a tranquil escape into a world of butterflies and tropical plants. As you enter, you’ll find yourself surrounded by hundreds of free-flying butterflies, each displaying a spectrum of colors and patterns that are mesmerizing to watch. The conservatory’s well-designed habitat includes a beautiful waterfall and carefully selected plants that provide food and shelter for the butterflies.
Along the paths, informative signs and exhibits explain the life cycle of butterflies, their behaviors, and the crucial role they play in pollination. Educational programs for both children and adults provide additional insights into the conservation efforts required to protect butterfly populations worldwide. The conservatory’s peaceful setting, along with the beauty of its resident butterflies, makes it a must-visit museum in Key West for nature lovers and families.
Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
History
The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum was founded in 1994 to celebrate the rich history of shipwreck salvage in the Florida Keys. The museum, housed in a building that resembles a 19th-century warehouse, offers an immersive experience that takes visitors back to the era when shipwreck salvage was a thriving industry in Key West. The Key West museum’s exhibits include artifacts recovered from actual shipwrecks, such as treasure coins, jewelry and navigational tools, providing a glimpse into the daring life of salvagers who braved the sea in search of fortune.
Things To Do
At the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, visitors can engage with interactive exhibits and reenactors that bring the history of shipwreck salvage to life. You’ll have the chance to see valuable artifacts that were once lost at sea, each item telling a story of adventure and risk.
The museum’s atmosphere, with its historical displays and thrilling demonstrations, makes it one of the most exciting Key West museums for those interested in maritime history and treasure hunting.
Oldest House Museum
History
The Oldest House Museum, constructed in the early 1800s, is the oldest surviving house in Key West. Originally built as a private residence, the house has since been preserved to showcase the architecture and lifestyle of early Key West residents. Throughout its long history, the house has served as the home of several notable Key West families, making it an important site for understanding the social and cultural history of the island. In the 1970s, it was officially converted into a museum to share its history with the public.
Things To Do
A visit to the Oldest House Museum offers a step back in time to early Key West. As you tour the house, you’ll find rooms furnished with period-appropriate decor, each piece chosen to reflect the daily life of its past residents. Informative exhibits throughout the museum detail the house’s history, providing context for the lifestyle, challenges and traditions of Key West’s earliest settlers.
Outside, the museum’s garden offers a peaceful retreat, with landscaping that reflects the natural beauty of the area and showcases native plants. The museum regularly hosts educational programs and guided tours, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the role this house played in the community. The Oldest House Museum’s unique charm and historical significance make it a standout museum in Key West for anyone interested in the island’s heritage.
FAQs
What are the best Key West museums for kids?
There are several family-friendly Key West museums that cater to young visitors. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is especially popular with children, offering interactive exhibits that allow them to learn about treasure hunting. The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is another excellent choice, providing a hands-on experience with butterflies and tropical plants.
What are the best Key West museums for history enthusiasts?
For history lovers, the Truman Little White House and the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum are must-visits. Both of these Key West museums highlight significant historical figures and events, including Truman’s presidency and Hemingway’s literary contributions.
Which museums in Key West are nearest to Duval Street?
Several museums in Key West are close to Duval Street, such as the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, which explores the island’s history in salvaging shipwrecks. The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is also nearby, making it easy for visitors to access Key West’s history and culture in the heart of Old Town.
