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
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
Robbie's of Islamorada
Robbie’s of Islamorada offers thrilling tarpon feeding, fishing, water sports, and vibrant local dining in the heart of the Florida Keys.
Key West
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Presidential museum in Key West.
Weddings Max
300
Meetings Max
50
Total Space
572 sq ft
Largest Room
572 sq ft
Key West
Backyards of Key West Gallery
Key West cottages, roosters, bar fronts and beaches, photographed around the island and then painted over by hand, stroke by stroke, on a tablet. Mark Baratto's gallery is tucked into the Shops at Mallory Square, across from Cuban Coffee Queen.
Key West
Amanda Johnson Gallery
Dive into Tropical Impressionism by Amanda Johnson - originals and giclees.
Marathon
Marathon High School Performing Arts Center
The Marathon High School Performing Arts Center in Marathon, Florida is a vibrant local venue for student theater, musicals and community performances in the heart of the Florida Keys.
Key West
Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum
In 1886 Key West burned for twelve hours, in part because the city's only steam fire engine had been shipped to New York for repairs. The Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum lives inside the 1907 Station No. 3, fire pole and all, and tells you how the island fought back.
Meetings Max
25
Key West
San Carlos Institute
San Carlos Institute — Cuban heritage museum & cultural center in Key West, where history, art, and independence converge.
Key West
7 Artists & Friends Gallery
Seven Key West artists went in together on one gallery a block off Duval, and the range inside is the fun part: watercolors and oils on one wall, photography and glass on the next, sculpture and hand made jewelry in between. Walk in off Simonton Street, or book the place to yourself by appointment.
Key West
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Discover treasures and history at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West!
Key Largo
Mike Forster Memorial Park
A small county kayak and skiff ramp on the bayside at mile marker 95.2, with six trailer spaces, a picnic table and nothing else. Parking is tight, nonresidents pay by app, and the neighborhood streets carry $200 fines.
Key West
Mark Funkhouser Photography
Vibrant, storytelling photography capturing proposals, couples, families, events, headshots, and more throughout Key West, Florida.
Key West
Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower
Tropical garden paradise by the sea at the historic West Martello Tower—free-admission gardens, beach views, volunteer-run, perfect for nature lovers in Key West.
Key West
Alan S Maltz Gallery
Florida's Official Fine Art Photographer has kept his gallery on Duval Street since New Year's Day 1999. Sunsets, Everglades light, wildlife and a vanishing Old Florida, printed on canvas, aluminum and glass at sizes from modest to architectural.
Islamorada
ElleSummersStudio
Elle Summers paints, and the paintings become yoga leggings, kimonos, maxi dresses, tote bags and throw pillows. Her studio sits on Morada Way, in the middle of Islamorada's arts district between mile markers 81 and 82.
