Key West museums share a robust and lengthy history. Discovered by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513, Key West has a lot of history to share. Throughout the centuries, Key West has played a vital role in Florida’s history as a strategic shipping, wrecking, & military outpost. Over the last century, Key West has attracted an eclectic mix of artist, musicians, & performers. Together, their endeavors have created a vibrant and lively community.

Key West has honored it’s rich past by preserving history in museums. You will find Truman Little House, a showpiece highlighting President Eisenhower & Kennedy’s time on the island. Writers & artists like James Audubon, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Robert Frost, Elizabeth Bishop, Shel Silverstein chose to live and work in Key West, and many of their homes are now museums. Many others like Judy Blume, Jimmy Buffett, Thomas McGuane, and Kenny Chesney also found Key West a special place to create, and inspire their followers. You will also find treasure hunter, Mel Fisher, created a museum just to share the long-lost Spanish galleon treasures discovered off the shores of Key West. Most of these museums are small and quaint, but packed full of wonder and fascination. You can easily get through most museums in 1–2 hours.