10 Best Key West Museums

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Centre takes you on an exciting, interactive journey among the flora and fauna of the area and the ships wrecked in the nearby waters. The modern exhibit space welcomes you to listen to the sounds of native animals and take in the surroundings with all your senses. You’ll learn about the many critters that live in sanctuary waters and the fragile ecosystem of coral reefs.

In the maritime history exhibit, you can explore images of shipwreck sites and discover long-lost heirlooms. If you need to rest your senses, the centre provides sensory kits and hosts a sensory room. The centre is easy to reach by bicycle or on foot from city centre. Parking is available as well.

Step back in time to the era of the wreckers at the one-of-a-kind Shipwreck Museum and discover Key West’s unique maritime heritage and how it accumulated its wealth. Join the master wrecker and his crew to find out how this unusual industry provided for the livelihoods of the early pioneers of Key West. You’ll be invited to climb the 6-story lookout tower to spot wrecks on the reef.

This snug museum combines actors, laser technology, films, underwater footage, and original artefacts to tell the mesmerising tale of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef. You can also try to summon your strength to lift a silver bar salvaged from a Spanish galleon.

Key West Museum of Art and History at the Custom House is not only an award-winning museum but an architectural marvel which stands on the harbour as a national landmark. In the 2 floors of exhibitions, you’ll discover 2 centuries of art, people, and events which have shaped the Florida Keys. The museum houses thousands of objects from postcards, photographs, paintings, and antiquities to textiles and ordnance.

The collection and exhibits highlight the unique cornerstones of Key West, from the sponge industry and Cuban cigar making to jazz bands and Ernest Hemmingway. The museum also features historical objects and artworks from Hemingway’s time in Key West during the 1930s. It’s just a short walk away from Mallory Square.

The breathtaking History of Diving Museum encourages you to marvel at the unique artefacts telling the compelling storey of our attempts to venture under the sea. The history of humans’ quest to explore beneath the waves is global, but here the emphasis is on the contributions of the Florida Keys.

The vast collection of antiques, rare books, documents, photographs, and oral history around diving will certainly inspire you to go on underwater adventures of your own. The number of diving helmets and masks alone is jaw-dropping. The fantastic interactive displays will keep the youngsters in the family entertained and eager to join diving lessons. Before swimming up into the sunshine, stop at the fun gift shop for some unique souvenirs.

The intimate Harry S. Truman Little White House museum invites you on an interesting journey through the house where the president lived, worked, and formed American history. On your guided tour, you’ll be transported to the forming days of the Marshall Plan, discussions concerning the partition of Palestine and the recognition of Israel, and the response to the Cold War.

On your tour you’ll discover little known facts about the president. Did you know he loved to play poker? To get the full presidential treatment, book an exclusive VIP White Glove Tour. This unique experience will give you a rare glimpse behind the scenes and a ride in the president’s 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Limousine.

In The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory you’ll walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies and glorious exotic birds inside the glass-domed, lush butterfly habitat. During your stroll through the tropical butterfly paradise, you’ll find 50 types of butterflies from all over the world, flowering plants, cascading waterfalls, and towering trees. There are also several species of free-flying, "butterfly-friendly" birds, such as American flamingoes, red-factor canaries, and zebra finches.

In the learning centre, you can get a close view of a variety of live caterpillars developing on their host plants. Located at the southernmost end of Duval Street, the conservatory is one of the island’s most popular family-friendly attractions. To avoid the busiest time, arrive early.

The educational and enlightening Tennessee Williams Museum welcomes you to enjoy and learn about Williams’ literary accomplishments and life in Key West. The museum houses an extensive collection of photographs, first edition plays and books, rare newspaper and magazine articles, a typewriter used by the author while writing in Key West, and other artefacts.

The family memorabilia on display will paint a detailed and intimate picture of the man considered one of America's foremost playwrights and who called Key West home for over 30 years. This small but magical museum with tucked-away charm is a true hidden gem, removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll return home wanting to reach for The Tram Named Desire.

At the Oldest House Museum, you can delve into the rich history of this remarkable house from 1829 and the people that lived there. The trained staff and volunteer docents provide guided tours telling the storey of island life in the 1800s and of the old Key West. The museum features family portraits and original furnishings as well as other period pieces, ship models, and documents.

The house was built by Captain Francis Watlington who was, among other things, a wrecker, which is reflected in the house décor. Behind the house you’ll find a spacious, peaceful garden, where benches invite you to rest your feet. Advance ticket booking and purchase is recommended.

Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters welcomes you to explore the possessions and photographs of the lighthouse keepers who were the heart and soul of this intriguing way of life. Climb the 88 iron steps to the top of the tower for a stunning view and cool breeze and look at what the lighthouse keepers watched over for more than 120 years.

The Keeper’s Quarters displays nautical antiquities, maps, and vintage photos to appreciate the people who bravely kept the light burning through the threats of war and weather. Here you can marvel at some of the lenses from the light. This quaint museum also boasts a picturesque garden.