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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Key West
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Discover treasures and history at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West!
Key West
Sunset Pier
Ocean Key Legacy Resort & Bar — iconic Key West destination featuring the famed Sunset Pier with cocktails, live music & nightly views.
Yankee Freedom- Dry Tortugas National Park Museum
Dry Tortugas Museum — historic interpretive center & Fort Jefferson exhibits in Key West, where maritime legacy meets interactive learning.
Key West
The Purple Cottage
The Purple Cottage — handcrafted stained & fused glass art from Key West, where coastal light meets colorful artistry.
Key West
Zazoo Fine Art Gallery
ZaZoo Art — whimsical fine art & print gallery in Key West, where playful color meets island inspiration.
Key West
Art@ 830 Gallery
multidisciplinary gallery & studio in Key West, where vibrant creative expression meets immersive local art experiences.
Key Largo
The Key Players
The Key Players — community theater productions in the Upper Keys, where local talent and lively storytelling bring stages to life.
Key West
Ocean Blue Galleries Key West
Ocean Blue Art Gallery features fine art inspired by the sea — paintings, photography, and sculptures by coastal artists in Key West.
Key West
Artists Gallery at the Red Door
Red Door Gallery — curated fine art & artists in North Little Rock, where southern culture and diverse mediums converge.
Marathon
Pigeon Key and Marine Science Center
Historic island tours, snorkeling & Bridge-tram ride at Pigeon Key
Key West
Rams Head Presents
Rams Head Presents — live concerts & entertainment in Key West, where premium touring acts meet intimate island venues.
Key West
The Key West Amphitheater
The Key West Amphitheater — live music & concert venue in Key West, where island vibes meet high-energy performances.
Key West
Effusion Gallery
Curated contemporary art and unique works by local and international artists in Key West.
Key Largo
Key Largo Art Gallery
Discover vibrant local art at Key Largo Art Gallery in the Florida Keys, showcasing unique island-inspired paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted pieces.
