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.
Select Your Interest
History
Creators
Keys Arts
Icons
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
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.
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.
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.
Key West
Gallery on Greene
Gallery on Greene is a premier fine art gallery in Key West’s Historic Seaport, specializing in representational works by renowned Key West and Cuban artists, with offerings spanning paintings, sculptures, and reproductions.
Weddings Max
100
Meetings Max
50
Total Space
2000 sq ft
Largest Room
2000 sq ft
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.
Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.
Southernmost Point — iconic landmark & photo destination in Key West, where geography meets tropical charm.
Key West
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
Monroe County's official arts agency is the reason there are 19 monumental sculptures standing along the Overseas Highway from Key West to Key Largo. Its free gallery guide, cultural calendar and public art maps are the fastest way to find what is happening while you are here.
Islamorada
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park — a unique blend of geology, history and nature trails in Islamorada.
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.
Key West
Harrison Gallery
Helen Harrison learned to shape wood building a 38-foot sailboat in Costa Rica, sailed it for eleven years, then came ashore in Key West and started carving sculpture instead. She and Ben opened the gallery on White Street in 1986 and have run it themselves ever since.
Key West
Fiovida Art Gallery
Tony Chatman's photographs come finished in epoxy resin, which gives the water in them a depth a flat print cannot. He was the official artist for the 2026 Key West Food & Wine Festival, and the gallery sits on Lazy Way Lane in the Historic Seaport.
Key West
Oldest House Museum & Gardens Key West
Old Island Restoration Foundation — preserving historic buildings & culture in Key West since 1960.
Key West
Cocco & Salem Gallery
A gallery of Key West painters on Upper Duval, open since 2009 and anchored by Jim Salem, who is half the name over the door. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Mondays, and by appointment if that suits you better.
Islamorada
Jessica Ann Art Studio
Jessica Ann Art — original marine-life acrylic paintings in Florida Keys, where conservation meets Caribbean color.
