Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Built in 1891 as a United States customs house and post office, it houses 3 floors of permanent and visiting exhibitions featuring Key West’s wealth of cultural resources including maritime artifacts, plaster casts of Key West artists’ works, original 19th century music boxes, photographs of early Florida life and more. It also features three rotating classrooms and exhibits that showcase vibrant local culture, such as the annual art exhibition by the Historical Architectural Review Board.

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Attractions Near Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

0.06km from Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is famed for its spectacular display of artifacts and treasures recovered from the sunken 1622 Spanish fleet. From cannons to coins, each item tells a piece of history that paints a beautiful story of the fight between the Spanish Armada and a developing America. With multiple attractions involving pirate ships, interactive exhibits, educational tours, and even treasure hunts often offered onsite.

Key West Shipwreck Museum

Key West Shipwreck Museum

0.08km from Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Key West Shipwreck Museum is a unique experience for visitors. The museum takes guests on a historical adventure by showcasing the wreckage of various ships which sunk off the coast of Key West throughout the years. Items on display include starfish and shells found near the wreckage as well as artifacts that survived being underwater for over 500 years. Hands-on activities like panning for 'gold' in a replica San Miguel shipwreck are also popular attractions.

Key West Aquarium

Key West Aquarium

0.09km from Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

The Key West Aquarium offers a great opportunity to explore undersea life and observe some of the most amazing species from around the world. From dolphins and manatees to harbor seals and stingrays, there's something for every ocean enthusiast. Visitors can participate in guided tours to learn more about sea life and conservation, plus interactive shows like “touch tanks”! Plus, there’s a special play area with games, mazes and puzzles just for kids.

Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

0.11km from Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

The Audubon House & Tropical Gardens is an exciting attraction that visitors to the area won't want to miss. Situated near the heart of Old Town Key West, this historical landmark offers tours throughout it's extensive grounds. Built by Waldo Sexton in the 1920s and now a popular vacation destination, this unique property boasts gardens from around the globe, captivating 19th century buildings, and myriad native species of birds that thrive in the area.

Truman Annex Park

Truman Annex Park

0.15km from Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Truman Annex Park is a breathtaking destination for anyone looking for a high-quality place to spend their leisure time. This beautiful park offers many great features for its visitors, such as disc golf, tennis courts, playgrounds and walking paths, a large pavilion that can be rented out for events, picnic tables and barbeque grills scattered throughout the entire area and charming ponds. The grounds are also well maintained and even have pet waste stations.

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

0.19km from Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Every evening around sunset, Monroe County’s Mallory Square gathers many tourists and locals alike for the vibrant Sunset Celebration. Here you can experience a wide variety of vendors offering art and craft items, enjoy tasty snacks from food carts, and watch thrilling street performers including daredevil jugglers and fire eaters. As the sun sets, feel the energy build until its full glory is reached with crowd cheers. This event is a fantastic way to end each day in beautiful Monroe County.

Discover More Attractions in Monroe County, Home of Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Monroe County

Monroe County

66 attractions

Monroe County includes the islands of the Florida Keys. Although 87% of the county's land area is on the mainland, that region is part of the Everglades and is virtually uninhabited. Over 99% of the county's population lives on the Florida Keys.

Location of Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

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