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.
Select Your Interest
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
Michelle Nicole Lowe, Artist
Michelle Nicole Lowe creates vivid watercolors and gallery art in Islamorada, celebrating Keys marine life and conservation.
Key West
Mark Funkhouser Photography
Vibrant, storytelling photography capturing proposals, couples, families, events, headshots, and more throughout Key West, Florida.
Key Largo
Kona Kai Resort, Gallery and Botanic Gardens
Kona Kai Resort offers adults-only boutique accommodations with a private beach, botanical gardens, and art gallery in Key Largo, Florida Keys.
Weddings Max
50
Meetings Max
50
Islamorada
Jessica Ann Art
Jessica Ann Art — original marine-life acrylic paintings in Florida Keys, where conservation meets Caribbean color.
Key West
Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum
Explore Key West's historic firehouse museum with unique artifacts and fun tours!
Meetings Max
25
Key West
Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography
Shade & Shutter Key West is a serene, artisan gallery where handcrafted ceramics meet evocative nature photography.
Key West
Red Barn Theatre
Red Barn Theatre — professional live theater in Key West, where big stories come alive in an intimate, historic space.
Key West
Artists Gallery at the Red Door
Red Door Gallery — curated fine art & artists in North Little Rock, where southern culture and diverse mediums converge.
Key West
Archeo Gallery
Archeo Gallery is a longtime Duval Street gallery showcasing story-driven art, bespoke rugs inspired by the Florida Keys, fine local jewelry, and rare ancient fish fossils.
Key West
Hellings Curry Museum/ Home of the Key West Woman’s Club
Explore Key West history in a stunning Queen Anne mansion with free guided tours!
Key West
SeaSister Island Gallery
Discover high-end contemporary art from local and international artists in vibrant Key West.
Key West
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
KeysArts — the Florida Keys Council of the Arts nonprofit promoting local galleries, public art, festivals, events, and cultural experiences throughout the Florida Keys.
Key West
Key West Aquarium
Explore Key West Aquarium's vibrant marine life and interactive touch tanks!
Weddings Max
150
Meetings Max
150
Key West
Cocco & Salem Gallery
Cocco & Salem Gallery — contemporary art gallery in Key West, where local charm meets global vision.
