Arts & Culture
In The Florida Keys, creativity flows as freely as the tides. From galleries filled with local paintings and sculptures to theaters, dance, live music, and street festivals, the islands wear their artistry in full color. Key West has long lured writers, dreamers, and free spirits, while each destination brings its own twist—think outdoor art walks, history museums, and quirky roadside treasures. Whether you’re browsing studios or catching a play, culture here feels refreshingly unbuttoned, sun-soaked, and impossible to forget.
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History
Creators
Keys Arts
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The Past in the Present
History here doesn’t hide—it strolls the streets, sails the waters, and lingers in lighthouses, forts, and railways. Museums and historic sites across the Florida Keys tell stories of shipwrecks, pioneers, and a railroad that once seemed impossible.
Wrecking in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys’ shipwreck salvage history began with the 19th-century wreckers who saved passengers and cargo from sinking ships.
Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad
On Jan. 22, 1912, when Ruby Whitlock was eight years old, she watched the arrival of the first train that ever traveled down the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad tracks from mainland Florida to Key West.
Key West African Cemetery
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a memorial honors the African Burial Ground at Higgs Beach.
Performing Arts
The Florida Keys inspires creativity across all genres: music and literary, stage and screen, studio and structure. Experience performances and installations here today, and learn about the creators of yesteryear who drew inspiration from our island paradise.
Live Music
Music is part of the rhythm of life in The Florida Keys & Key West. From waterfront tiki bars and open-air patios to intimate lounges and lively...
Ernest Hemingway
Learn about Ernest Hemingway, his literary reputation and his larger-than-life persona. Credited with establishing Key West as a literary haven, Hemingway left a legacy that remains vibrant today.
Jimmy Buffett
For millions around the world, the words Key West and Jimmy Buffett are nearly synonymous. He lived in the island city during some of his most productive years—developing the “tropical rock” style and laid-back persona that helped make him a world-renowned musical icon.
Tennessee Williams
Did you know that internationally renowned playwright Tennessee Williams lived in Key West for more than 30 years? During his time here, he completed "Summer and Smoke" and wrote "Night of the Iguana" among other works.
Famous Musicians Inspired by The Florida Keys
Bob Dylan loves Key West. In fact, the legendary singer-songwriter immortalizes it as “the enchanted land” and “land of light”. Others from the Keys include country superstars Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith.
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts is the driving force behind much of the cultural heartbeat of the islands, working to celebrate and share the region's creativity with both residents and visitors.
The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys
Visual art and music by top Florida Keys talents are to take center stage during the Connections Project.
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts is the driving force behind much of the cultural heartbeat of the islands, working to celebrate and share the...
15 Ways to Experience Arts in Key West
Long a haven for writers, artists, and dreamers, Key West continues to inspire with its sun-soaked streets, storied past, and vibrant creative spirit.
‘Islands of the Arts’ Sculpture Trail
You can find visual artistry almost everywhere in the Florida Keys: in palm-fringed shorescapes beside the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, orange...
They Built the Keys
Dreamers and doers. Leaders and legends. The Keys wouldn't be the same without them, and you'll see their impact woven throughout our islands. In museums, at festivals, on the walls of bars, and in food and drink inspired by their vision.
Mel Fisher
Legendary shipwreck salvor Mel Fisher, who found the wreck of the 1622 Spanish galleon Atocha, was one of Key West's most colorful and inspirational characters.
President Harry S. Truman Little White House
“My grandfather once said that presidents shouldn’t have descendants,” revealed Clifton Truman Daniel, “because those descendants would spend the rest of their lives having people think they should live up to their ancestors.”
Henry Flagler: Railroad Visionary
Henry Morrison Flagler never lived in the Florida Keys, but he left a lasting and valuable mark on the island chain.
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Islamorada
Coral Shores High School Performing Arts Center
The Coral Shores Performing Arts Center in Tavernier hosts live theater, concerts, and community performances in the Upper Florida Keys.
Islamorada
Our Place in Paradise
Discover unique original art, pottery, and workshops in a welcoming Florida Keys gallery.
Key West
Magie Ruley-Island Inspirations
Maggie Ruley paints Key West in acrylic, sometimes from a picnic table at Fort Zachary Taylor with a water bucket and a stack of snacks. Her Fleming Street studio sells the paintings and teaches you to make your own on Tuesdays.
Key West
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Eco Discovery Center
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center — immersive marine sanctuary exhibit in Key West, where education meets ocean conservation.
Key West
Key West Aquarium
Explore Key West Aquarium's vibrant marine life and interactive touch tanks!
Weddings Max
150
Meetings Max
150
Key West
Ocean Blue Galleries Key West
An authorized Dr. Seuss collection, Tom Everhart’s Peanuts work, Nano Lopez bronzes and lit glass animals by the Borowski brothers all share this gallery at the top of Duval. The mix leans toward pop art and nostalgia alongside Key West scenes.
Marathon
Marathon Community Theatre, Inc.
Cinema in the Florida Keys, featuring musicals, comedies, and classic films.
Key West
Island Style Gallery
A Duval Street storefront of American craft rather than framed art: hand-painted furniture, pottery, glass, jewelry, tiles and sculpture, most of it one of a kind. Owner Dyan Stuglin buys primarily from Florida artists.
Islamorada
History of Diving Museum
Explore the fascinating history and evolution of diving at the History of Diving Museum!
Meetings Max
50
Key West
Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography
Shade & Shutter Key West is a serene, artisan gallery where handcrafted ceramics meet evocative nature photography.
Marathon
Shady Palm Art Gallery & Frame Shop
More than 50 Florida Keys artists share one roof at this Marathon gallery, where the work ranges from oil paintings to shell art to ceramics made from reclaimed lobster traps. A full custom frame shop operates in the same building.
Key West
Waterfront Playhouse Theater
Waterfront Playhouse — community theatre & live performances in Key West, where intimate storytelling meets tropical charm.
South Florida Symphony Orchestra
South Florida Symphony Orchestra — orchestral concerts & classical performances in Fort Lauderdale, where artistry meets community connection.
Key West
Tennessee Williams Museum
Tennessee Williams Museum — dedicated to the life and works of the famed playwright in Key West’s Little White House complex.
Key West
Oldest House Museum & Gardens Key West
Old Island Restoration Foundation — preserving historic buildings & culture in Key West since 1960.
