Your Guide to Key West Museums
Key West, Florida, attracts beach lovers, water & eco adventurers, foodies & nightlife enthusiasts, and seekers of spectacular sunsets. Visitors can also discover a confluence of history, art, and culture at our museums. Stay with Rent Key West Vacations and enjoy easy access to Key West’s museums.
Discover Key West Art, Architecture & History
- Key West’s Oldest House Museum & Gardens (Circa, 1829): Visit Key West’s oldest home and surviving cookhouse. Learn the history of the house, the family, and life in 1800s Key West.
- Audubon House Museum & Tropical Gardens (Circa, 1849): This museum commemorates Audubon’s 1832 visit to Key West and shares his artwork.
- Key West Museum of Art & History (Circa, 1891): This museum is housed in the former Customs Offices, District Court, and Post Office. It now showcases art and exhibits highlighting local history, people, and events.
- Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion (Circa, 1869 & 1901): Visit the elaborate Georgian Revival mansion and the original cookhouse.
Explore Key West Maritime Museums
Key West, located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, has a rich maritime history which can be discovered at one of these museums:
- US Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum: This maritime museum is a National Historic Landmark docked in Key West Harbor.
- Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum: The lighthouse opened in 1848. Climb the 88 steps to the top and also tour the keeper’s quarters and its artifacts.
- The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: This museum resides in the former naval storehouse circa 1910 and contains a collection of artifacts from 17th-century shipwrecks. “Today’s The Day!”: Learn the story of Fisher and the 16-year quest to find the Spanish galleon Atocha.
Learn About Famous Key Westers
Key West has attracted presidents, artists, and authors. Visit their historic homes:
- The Hemingway Home & Museum: is filled with photos, books, and antiques. Greet the six-toed cats and view the swimming pool, which was an extraordinarily rare construction feat and luxury in 1930s Key West.
- Truman’s Little White House: is Florida’s only Presidential Museum and was known as the Winter White House from 1946-‘52. Constructed in 1890 as naval officers’ housing, it features artwork, photographs, antiques, and artifacts.
- Tennessee Williams Museum: offers a collection of the great American playwright’s original works, photos, and memorabilia.
- Meet Robert the Doll at Fort East Martello Museum: Once you have paid homage to Key West’s most renowned “haunted” resident, you are entitled to blame all of your vacation shenanigans on Robert! The museum offers art, history, and an expansive view of Key West and the ocean from the fort’s tower.
Stay in Our Key West Vacation Rentals
Discover history, art & architecture, and famous residents at one of Key West’s museums. Whether you want to stay in the heart of the old town historic district or near the beach, we have a property that is perfect for you and close to everything Key West has to offer!
