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
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
Islamorada
The Hale Gallery
An Islamorada fine art gallery featuring rotating exhibitions from local and visiting artists.
Islamorada
Morada Way Arts & Cultural District
Discover vibrant art and culture in the heart of Islamorada at Morada Way!
The Lower Keys
Washed Up Key West
Washed Up Key West — sustainable hardwood art & furniture studio in Key West, where fallen trees become island treasures.
Islamorada
Our Place in Paradise
Discover unique original art, pottery, and workshops in a welcoming Florida Keys gallery.
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
Rams Head Presents
Rams Head Presents — live concerts & entertainment in Key West, where premium touring acts meet intimate island venues.
Islamorada
Islamorada's Art on a Whim Gallery
Judith Chesher stocks her shop with work from around thirty Keys artists, and as she puts it, the Keys are full of artists doing all kinds of weird things. It sits in Rain Barrel Village, a few steps from a forty-foot lobster.
Marathon
Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trails
Crane Point Museum & Nature Center in Marathon is a 63-acre nature preserve featuring tropical hardwood hammock trails, a natural history museum, wildlife exhibits, and kayak rentals.
Weddings Max
120
Meetings Max
120
Taylor Hale Studio & Gallery
Taylor Hale is a Keys native who trained at Ringling and RISD, painted portraits in New England, then came home and started painting the sunset clouds he watched from his shifts at Morada Bay. His studio is tucked behind the Florida Keys Brewing Co. beer garden in the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District.
Key West
Key West Aquarium
Explore Key West Aquarium's vibrant marine life and interactive touch tanks!
Weddings Max
150
Meetings Max
150
Islamorada
David Wirth Gallery
David Wirth’s Wirth Gallery showcases striking marine sculptures, bespoke fish-hook creations, and unique slab wood art, all inspired by coastal life and craftsmanship.
Key West
Key West Sunsets
Isaac Valdes sets up at the Sunset Celebration every night, with giclée prints, digital work and hand-carved pieces framed by his wife Danay in salvaged lobster trap wood. Find him at Mallory Square from about 6:15pm.
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
Key West Cultural Center and Veterans Museum and William Weech American Legion Post 168
The Key West Cultural Center & Veterans Museum is a community initiative dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history, culture, and military heritage of the Florida Keys through exhibits, educational programs, and cultural events.
Key West
Whimsy Key West
Barb Sage paints roller skates, lamps, vintage mannequins and wooden signs in colors you can spot from across the room. Whimsy Key West works out of Sacred Space on Stock Island, a collective of nine local women artists.
