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
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.
Key West
Tennessee Williams Theatre
Tennessee Williams Theater — immersive theater & experiential performances in Key West, where storytelling becomes adventure.
Marathon
Shady Palm Art Gallery & Frame Shop
Discover unique local Florida Keys art, jewelry, and custom framing at Shady Palm!
Key West
Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House
Explore Key West's rich history and art in a stunning historic Custom House museum.
Key West
Art@ 830 Gallery
Hand blown glass, turned wood, ceramics and paintings on Caroline Street in the Historic Seaport, run by two artists who have been working in Key West for decades. Ask about Tony Gregory's Key West alphabet.
The Lower Keys
Big Pine Tattoo & Trade
Mike Westell runs a tattoo studio on the Overseas Highway at Big Pine Key, mile marker 30, taking walk-ins and appointments both. If you want a souvenir of the Keys that does not end up in a drawer, this is the Lower Keys option.
Key West
Key West Collective | Art Gallery
Key West Collective is a curated art gallery in Old Town’s Historic Seaport featuring local and contemporary artists in a bright, welcoming space.
Key West
Guild Hall Gallery
Key West’s oldest cooperative art gallery showcasing local artists in a historic Duval Street storefront.
Key West
SALT Gallery
SALT: a curated gallery and boutique in Key West offering local art, jewelry, sea salts, and island treasures.
Key West
Edward B. Knight Pier
Popular with residents and tourists alike, the Edward B. Knight Pier is dog-friendly!
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.
Key West
The Purple Cottage
The Purple Cottage — handcrafted stained & fused glass art from Key West, where coastal light meets colorful artistry.
One fish, two fish Studio
Featuring watercolors, acrylics, mixed media, pet portraits, and murals, the studio offers a unique glimpse into the island's artistic spirit.
Marathon
Pigeon Key and Marine Science Center
Historic island tours, snorkeling & Bridge-tram ride at Pigeon Key
