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
Tropic Cinema
Tropic Cinema — independent & art-house film venue in Key West, where cinematic magic meets community charm.
Marathon
Marathon Community Theatre & Cinema
Marathon Community Theatre & Cinema is a nonprofit cultural hub in the Florida Keys offering live theater, films, dance, art, and educational programming.
Key West
Maggie Ruley - Island Inspirations
Maggie Ruley has been painting Key West since the mid-1980s, starting from a corner of Blue Heaven. Her Fleming Street studio is open ten-ish to five-ish most days, and she is usually in it, working.
Key West
The Key West Amphitheater
The Key West Amphitheater — live music & concert venue in Key West, where island vibes meet high-energy performances.
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
Maria Wagner Artworks
Painting with Maria — original tropical art & interactive paint parties in Islamorada, where island vibes meet creative expression.
Key West
Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry
Dry Tortugas National Park — remote Florida Keys paradise 70 miles west of Key West featuring historic Fort Jefferson, turquoise water, pristine beaches and world-class snorkeling.
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.
Islamorada
Old Road Gallery
Dwayne and Cindy King throw pottery and cast bronze in a workshop you can stand and watch, then set the results loose in a hardwood garden of winding paths, sculpture and free-range peacocks. It is at mile marker 88.8 and ranks among the top ten things to do in Islamorada.
Key West
Oldest House Museum & Gardens Key West
Old Island Restoration Foundation — preserving historic buildings & culture in Key West since 1960.
Islamorada
Gyotaku by Lisa Lee
Gyotaku by Lisa Lee — handcrafted fish-print art & unique marine gifts in Islamorada, where tradition meets tropical inspiration.
Key West
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
Explore the legendary Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in beautiful Key West!
Marathon
St. Columba Episcopal Church
St. Columba Episcopal Church — a vibrant community hub serving Marathon, Florida Keys.
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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.
