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.
Filters
Key West
90 Miles to Cuba
A weather-beaten shell-cleaning shack in the Historic Seaport, now packed with ships' portholes, old anchors, antique postcards of Cuba and paintings of a Key West that mostly is not there anymore. It opens a few afternoons a week, so check before you walk over.
Key West
Bella Laine
Bella Laine is a Key West candle studio, boutique, and gallery offering hand-poured candles, jewelry, artwork, and gifts.
Key West
Key West Gallery
Seventy-odd artists across two floors of Duval, anchored by Bill Mack, whose portraits of Hollywood stars are carved into metal salvaged from the original Hollywood Sign. Open until ten most nights and eleven on weekends.
Key West
Zero Mile Art
The green Mile 0 sign at Whitehead and Fleming is the photograph people drive the whole Overseas Highway to take, and this shop sits on the corner. Art prints and local gifts inside, plus cold drinks and key lime pie, open until eight.
Key West
Elizabeth Bishop House & Garden
Elizabeth Bishop House — historic home of poet Elizabeth Bishop in Key West, where literary heritage meets island charm.
Islamorada
Jessica Ann Art Studio
Jessica Ann Art — original marine-life acrylic paintings in Florida Keys, where conservation meets Caribbean color.
Key West
Zazoo Fine Art Gallery
Rock photography, animation art and signed collectibles fill this Duval Street gallery, where the artist list runs from John Lennon and Ringo Starr to Sylvester Stallone. Owner Don Oriolo, who ran the Felix the Cat franchise from 1985 until 2014, paints on site.
Islamorada
SuzArts Gallery
Susan Kay Holler paints the water, light and quiet of the Upper Keys from her base in Key Largo. Her original work is sold directly, so a piece can be shipped rather than carried home.
Islamorada
DeClues Custom Framing
DeClues Custom Framing is a custom picture-framing shop in the Upper Keys that builds new frames for artwork and photographs. It works alongside DePaula Gallery, with framing drop-off and pickup on weekday afternoons.
Key West
Red Door Gallery
Next door to Pepe's, which has been feeding Key West since 1909, and a few steps from the Historic Seaport. A small gallery of island and Caribbean work by Key West artists, priced to actually buy.
Key West
Art On Duval Key West, A Procaccini Gallery
Around twenty painters and photographers on one of the busiest blocks of Duval, from painted surfboards to the founder's own photographs of Keys water and light. Time your trip for winter and you can meet the artists in person.
Marathon
St. Columba Episcopal Church
St. Columba Episcopal Church — a vibrant community hub serving Marathon, Florida Keys.
Weddings Max
100
Meetings Max
100
The Lower Keys
Artists In Paradise Gallery
Artists in Paradise Gallery is a vibrant co-op gallery on Big Pine Key, showcasing original works by over 40 local artists, including paintings, pottery, glass, and fine crafts.
Islamorada
History of Diving Museum
Explore the fascinating history and evolution of diving at the History of Diving Museum!
Meetings Max
50
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.
