Museums in Key West

THE 10 BEST Key West Museums

Museums in Key West

Museums
Awards
Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.


Showing results 1-30 of 75

What travelers are saying

  • Daniel
    Portland, OR61 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had been to Key West a few times before and I had never visited this place. I am glad I did this time. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun. The home is beautiful and one can imagine what it was in its splendor. It is worth-visiting if you enjoy his books and films based on his novels and short stories.
    Written February 9, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ken G
    La Grange, IL592 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did not pay to go inside. You can walk around outside. You can also go into the gift shop where 2 rooms of artifacts are on display. We were lucky to see Truman's car parked outside.
    Written January 30, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Heather S
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a great piece of history! There was a self guided tour after a brief overview from the host. Very cool time capsule! The authentic items from the vessel were so interesting.
    Written January 9, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Njeri W
    Atlanta, GA203 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an excellent museum that helps unlock yet another aspect of Key West history. The climb to the top is about 2 to 3 stores shorter than typical lighthouses so it is one that you don't have to be super fit to do (it is still 88 stairs though so not a cake walk either). The Keeper's Quarters have excellent exhibits that help further appreciate what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper (shoutout Barbara Mabrity who kept climbing those stairs until age 82!) The museum grounds are well tended and make walking around the site a pleasure.
    Written December 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sophie9720
    Miami, FL12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see in Key West to understand the Florida Keys.I love the display about the Aquanauts and the important work that is taken place under the sea.
    Written December 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robert L
    Amherst, MA1,622 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Right in the middle of Key West tourist attractions is this commercialized museum.
    The greeter at the top of the stairs had several interesting stories about the "wrecking" culture. In the heyday, there was 1 wreck weekly to be salvaged.
    Walk to the top of the lookout.
    Recommended ever if it's corny.
    Written January 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nomad
    United States316 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A cozy dimly-lit nest that is chock-full of dusty historical nautical treasures. Fascinating aspects of how Key West got its start as a pack of shipwreck scavengers. These dueling scavenger families would greedily strip a wreck lickety-split. Take the cargo and probably knock-in a few heads. These rapacious ghouls were the precursors before the mob-connected rum runners arrived for the Havana circuit. Nice multi-level compact museum with a high density of excellent displays and thoughtful narratives.
    Written May 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alice P
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth visiting
    The view is impeccable, the history behind it is an essential part of not only this place but for the whole region.
    Here , You're closer than ever to the historical significance of this place.
    Written February 10, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ryan B
    Annapolis, MD17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and I recently visited the gallery and purchased some great work. The imagery will take your breath away. It not just shots of great scenery, it also has an emotional component that captures the viewer. We overheard other visitors with similar opinions. I strongly recommend a visit.

    If you are like us and decide to make a purchase, know that you will be working with great people. They were easy to work with and handled all of our needs quickly. They shipped the works home for us and even included the right hardware to hang each piece. The shipment arrived well packed and ready to hang. If you are looking to bring home a piece of Florida, check out the gallery.
    Written January 24, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Review-er-er_er
    Houston, TX243 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was something different to do that I hadn't already done before.

    My GPS took me to the airport instead of the Fort. Though it took me a minute to figure out, the structure is right there next to it and pretty imposing. The red brick sticks out like a sore thumb so it's pretty easy to find.

    There is also free on site parking right there at the fort.

    I love history and old forts and such but mostly went to see Robert.

    At $17 for full priced adult admission, if it weren't for Robert being there, I would say it was a bit high for what's there. However, I realize you're paying for the chance to see something you don't usually get a chance to see in real life: a famous, legendary, possessed doll.

    Once you enter, you can go outside to the citadel to see the art exhibit or through the curtain to see the other exhibits leading up to Robert.

    It was a drizzly day so I went outside first (before it got worse) to the citadel.

    There are stairs if you want to go up to the top. While you can get to the ground floor through the bottom tunnel facing the restroom, you can not get to the second floor without using the wide outside stairs or using the enclosed tiny, original spiral staircase. The roof is only accessible via the tiny spiral staircase. Once on the roof you can go even higher via a short flight of modern stairs for a decent panaramic view.

    It's an old fort. They weren't exactly bulit with the ADA in mind - something for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia to consider.

    I was not told what was in the citadel so imagine my surprise when I went inside. Besides the art, the architecture was interesting. While on the stairs, note the difference between the center (where countless people have walked) and the edges.

    Back inside, I begin the walk to see Robert. There are a number of exhibits and artifacts related to Key West history inside besides.

    It is an open concept layout. For those of you wanting not to see Robert, know that it's pretty unavoidable as he's not in a separate room or anything. You'll see him a bit before you actually get to his section.

    I enjoyed the old artifacts and such regarding Key West history and lore; however, I wish there was more history and context provided explaining what everything you were seeing was.

    I didn't mind the kind of eclectic lay out of things or the worn, weathered feel of the place. In fact, I feel it kind of added to the atmosphere. It seemed to suit Robert well.

    At last getting to Robert, he was larger than I expected. I didn't feel anything particularly malevolent there or around him. I greeted him and spoke to him. I admired his birthday greeting letters from presidents, asked to take his photo, explained they were just for my use not to be posted anywhere, admired his chair and told him I had imagined it to be a rocking chair and that they should get him one, told him goodbye and wished him a good day.... All the while this one lady was looking at me as though I was crazy.

    Nothing bad happened. My batteries did not die or anything. If anything my luck seemed to improve.

    The store has lots of fun items including Robert dolls and other merchandise. The entry clerk/store cashier was very sweet and helpful, even loaning me an umbrella to go to the citadel.

    I couldn't resist buying one of the mini Roberts and preferred the one in his original outfit as opposed to the Christmas version. However, if they would have had a discount for purchasing both, I probably would have.

    I think the dolls are cute as a button. I also have a massive doll collection as is (yes including horror dolls) and take a different doll to work with me each week. Little Robert AKA Joshua will be going to work with me this week.

    Though I didn't see the wild iguanas I did see some wild roosters in the grass next to the parking lot

    As a site bonus: If you look for it, the Conch Republic flag mural is right there on the outside wall at the airport. Right across the street from the Fort is the sea wall.

    In addition to the Fort, while on Key West, you can also visit Ernest Hemingway's house and the descendants of his famous 6 toed cat (many of whom also have 6 toes) and the marker for the southern most point of the US.

    There is also a ghost tour at the Fort but I was not tempting fate any further.

    Lastly, I really wish Trip Advisor would remove these reviews of people who never even went to the Fort. The Fort and Robert's websites are where Robert apologies should go. The reviews here should be to help people who want to visit make a decision based on real visits.
    Written January 1, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CM
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The entire collection was fabulous and definitely something to admire for everyone. It’s worth the trip for a visit to the artwork. Jennifer was extremely helpful and very knowledgeable about the artists and Key West as a whole. We will definitely be back!!!
    Written July 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Erin G
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We are a fire family and we're exited to check out the museum and it didn't disappoint! So much to see and learn you can spend an hour or a day there. The staff was so helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Looking forward to hearing more about Frank the ghost! Will definitely go back.
    Written January 17, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sally W
    Miami, FL2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful tour with Thomas Greenwood who is the curator and museum store buyer. The house is very interesting and the grounds were well restored.
    Thomas was delightful and knowledgeable.
    Don't miss this wonderful store. I got a lovely necklace and wear it all the time. Great gifts!
    Written March 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • minneapolisguy2016
    Saint Paul, MN3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fun exhibit and good little gift shop, too. Fun for the whole family to learn more about America's greatest playwright. Highly recommend.
    Written January 28, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian S
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a cool space. We went for the opening of the Mango exhibit. Make sure to hit up the Art-o-matic machine and buy a piece of artwork for just $5!!
    Written June 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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